Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Nirmatrelvir
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nirmatrelvir: 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
Nirmatrelvir is given with ritonavir, which may reduce ethinyl estradiol exposure. Over a short course the effect on contraception is likely small but possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nirmatrelvir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Nirmatrelvir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir may induce estrogen metabolism, although the mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Advise a backup non-hormonal method, such as condoms, during treatment 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
Other interactions of Nirmatrelvir
- Alfuzosin + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Nirmatrelvir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nirmatrelvir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Nirmatrelvir is given with ritonavir, which may reduce ethinyl estradiol exposure. Over a short course the effect on contraception is likely small but possible.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nirmatrelvir?
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, such as condoms, during treatment 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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