Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Valproic acid: 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
Estrogen-containing contraceptives can lower valproate concentrations, potentially reducing seizure control. The effect is generally modest but may matter in patients with otherwise well-controlled epilepsy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Valproic acid 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; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Estrogens appear to induce glucuronidation of valproate, increasing its clearance.
What to do
Monitor seizure frequency and consider checking valproate levels when starting or stopping the contraceptive. Adjust the valproate dose if control worsens.
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 Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Valproic acid 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. Estrogen-containing contraceptives can lower valproate concentrations, potentially reducing seizure control. The effect is generally modest but may matter in patients with otherwise well-controlled epilepsy.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor seizure frequency and consider checking valproate levels when starting or stopping the contraceptive. Adjust the valproate dose if control worsens.
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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