Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Nevirapine
Severity: Major
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nevirapine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Nevirapine lowers ethinyl estradiol and progestin concentrations, which may reduce contraceptive efficacy. Breakthrough bleeding and unplanned pregnancy are possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nevirapine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Nevirapine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Nevirapine induces CYP3A4 and CYP2B6, increasing metabolism of contraceptive hormones.
What to do
Use an additional or alternative non-hormonal method such as a copper IUD or consider a progestin intrauterine system. Review contraception choice with HIV specialists.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Nevirapine
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Nevirapine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + St john's wort Contraindicated
- Abemaciclib + Nevirapine Major
- Acalabrutinib + Nevirapine Major
- Amobarbital + Nevirapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Nevirapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nevirapine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Nevirapine lowers ethinyl estradiol and progestin concentrations, which may reduce contraceptive efficacy. Breakthrough bleeding and unplanned pregnancy are possible.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nevirapine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an additional or alternative non-hormonal method such as a copper IUD or consider a progestin intrauterine system. Review contraception choice with HIV specialists.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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