Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Tacrolimus
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Tacrolimus: 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
Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit CYP3A4 and raise tacrolimus concentrations, with case reports of increased levels. Elevated tacrolimus can cause nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Tacrolimus 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; Tacrolimus belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated tacrolimus metabolism by ethinyl estradiol.
What to do
Measure tacrolimus trough levels and renal function when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the dose accordingly; estrogen-containing contraceptives may also be unsuitable in transplant recipients with hypertension.
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 Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Tacrolimus 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. Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit CYP3A4 and raise tacrolimus concentrations, with case reports of increased levels. Elevated tacrolimus can cause nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Measure tacrolimus trough levels and renal function when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the dose accordingly; estrogen-containing contraceptives may also be unsuitable in transplant recipients with hypertension.
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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