Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Ursodiol
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Ursodiol: 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
Estrogens increase biliary cholesterol secretion and promote gallstone formation, which opposes the cholesterol-lowering bile effect of ursodiol. Ursodiol may therefore be less effective for gallstone dissolution in women taking estrogen-containing contraceptives.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Ursodiol 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; Ursodiol belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Estrogen raises hepatic cholesterol secretion into bile and lithogenicity, pharmacodynamically opposing ursodiol's effect.
What to do
When ursodiol is used for gallstone dissolution, consider a non-estrogen contraceptive method. Monitor response with imaging.
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 Ursodiol
- Aluminum hydroxide + Ursodiol Moderate
- Cholestyramine + Ursodiol Moderate
- Colesevelam + Ursodiol Moderate
- Colestipol + Ursodiol Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ursodiol Moderate
- Calcium + Ursodiol Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Ursodiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Ursodiol 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. Estrogens increase biliary cholesterol secretion and promote gallstone formation, which opposes the cholesterol-lowering bile effect of ursodiol. Ursodiol may therefore be less effective for gallstone dissolution in women taking estrogen-containing contraceptives.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Ursodiol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: When ursodiol is used for gallstone dissolution, consider a non-estrogen contraceptive method. Monitor response with imaging.
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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