Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Rifapentine
Severity: Major
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Rifapentine: 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
Rifapentine induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce contraceptive hormone levels, risking contraceptive failure. The induction is somewhat less than with rifampin but remains clinically important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Rifapentine 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; Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 and other metabolic enzymes by rifapentine increases hormone clearance.
What to do
Use a non-hormonal or enzyme-independent contraceptive method during treatment and for about 4 weeks after the last dose.
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 Rifapentine
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Ranolazine + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Rifapentine 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. Rifapentine induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce contraceptive hormone levels, risking contraceptive failure. The induction is somewhat less than with rifampin but remains clinically important.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Rifapentine?
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 a non-hormonal or enzyme-independent contraceptive method during treatment and for about 4 weeks after the last dose.
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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