Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Siltuximab
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Siltuximab: 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
Chronic inflammation suppresses hepatic CYP450 enzymes through IL-6 signalling. Blocking IL-6 with siltuximab may return enzyme activity to normal and lower concentrations of CYP substrates such as ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel. Contraceptive effectiveness could be reduced, though the clinical effect is expected to be modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Siltuximab 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; Siltuximab belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
IL-6 blockade reverses cytokine-mediated downregulation of CYP450 enzymes, potentially increasing metabolism of the hormonal substrates.
What to do
Be aware of possible reduced hormone exposure for several weeks after starting or stopping siltuximab. Ask about breakthrough bleeding and consider a backup non-hormonal contraceptive method if concerns arise.
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 Siltuximab
- Baricitinib + Siltuximab Major
- Atorvastatin + Siltuximab Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Siltuximab Moderate
- Cyclosporin + Siltuximab Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Siltuximab Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Siltuximab Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Siltuximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Siltuximab have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Chronic inflammation suppresses hepatic CYP450 enzymes through IL-6 signalling. Blocking IL-6 with siltuximab may return enzyme activity to normal and lower concentrations of CYP substrates such as ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel. Contraceptive effectiveness could be reduced, though the clinical effect is expected to be modest.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Siltuximab?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Be aware of possible reduced hormone exposure for several weeks after starting or stopping siltuximab. Ask about breakthrough bleeding and consider a backup non-hormonal contraceptive method if concerns arise.
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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