Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Pioglitazone
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Pioglitazone: moderate 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
Pioglitazone labeling reports lower ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone exposure with co-administration. The effect could reduce contraceptive reliability, though clinical failures are not well documented.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Pioglitazone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Probable weak induction of CYP3A4 by pioglitazone, lowering contraceptive steroid exposure.
What to do
Consider a contraceptive with adequate hormone dose or add a barrier method, and counsel the patient about possible reduced efficacy.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Pioglitazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Pioglitazone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Pioglitazone labeling reports lower ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone exposure with co-administration. The effect could reduce contraceptive reliability, though clinical failures are not well documented.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider a contraceptive with adequate hormone dose or add a barrier method, and counsel the patient about possible reduced efficacy.
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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