Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir: minor 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
Short-course ritonavir may reduce ethinyl estradiol exposure, with a possible reduction in contraceptive reliability. Because of the short duration the effect is probably limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Ritonavir may induce estrogen metabolism, although the mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Advise a backup non-hormonal method during the 5-day course and for the remainder of the pill cycle.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Short-course ritonavir may reduce ethinyl estradiol exposure, with a possible reduction in contraceptive reliability. Because of the short duration the effect is probably limited.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise a backup non-hormonal method during the 5-day course and for the remainder of the pill cycle.
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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