Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Warfarin
Severity: Major
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Warfarin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 raise clotting factor levels and can reduce warfarin effect, while also increasing thrombotic risk. Warfarin is generally a reason to avoid estrogen contraceptives in patients treated for thrombosis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Warfarin 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; Warfarin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Estrogen increases hepatic synthesis of coagulation factors, opposing warfarin, with variable effects on its metabolism.
What to do
Prefer a non-estrogen contraceptive in anticoagulated patients; if combined use occurs, monitor INR closely and adjust the warfarin 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Warfarin, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Warfarin
- Defibrotide + Warfarin Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Warfarin Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Warfarin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Warfarin Major
- Adagrasib + Warfarin Major
- Amiodarone + Warfarin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Warfarin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Warfarin 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. Estrogen-containing contraceptives raise clotting factor levels and can reduce warfarin effect, while also increasing thrombotic risk. Warfarin is generally a reason to avoid estrogen contraceptives in patients treated for thrombosis.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Warfarin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-estrogen contraceptive in anticoagulated patients; if combined use occurs, monitor INR closely and adjust the warfarin 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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
