Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate
Severity: Minor
Dexamethasone and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate: 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
Dexamethasone is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and might slightly lower contraceptive hormone exposure. Clinically meaningful loss of contraceptive efficacy is not well established. Estrogens may in turn raise corticosteroid exposure modestly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Weak induction of CYP3A4 by dexamethasone may increase metabolism of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.
What to do
No routine change is needed for short courses. Consider a backup method with prolonged high-dose use, and monitor for exaggerated corticosteroid effects.
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 Dexamethasone
- Bcg vaccine live + Dexamethasone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Varicella virus vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Yellow fever vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Dexamethasone and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Dexamethasone is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and might slightly lower contraceptive hormone exposure. Clinically meaningful loss of contraceptive efficacy is not well established. Estrogens may in turn raise corticosteroid exposure modestly.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed for short courses. Consider a backup method with prolonged high-dose use, and monitor for exaggerated corticosteroid effects.
What other medicines interact with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dexamethasone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Mifepristone, Rilpivirine. The full list is on the Dexamethasone page.
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