Drug interactions
Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Erythromycin
Severity: Minor
Dienogest / estradiol valerate and Erythromycin: 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
Erythromycin may modestly raise hormone exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition, which could increase hormonal side effects such as breast tenderness, headache, nausea and irregular bleeding. Contraceptive failure from antibiotics that alter gut flora is poorly supported for macrolides.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dienogest / estradiol valerate and Erythromycin 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
CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin may slow hormone metabolism, and a theoretical effect on enterohepatic recirculation via gut flora has not been established.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed; counsel the patient to report breakthrough bleeding or hormone-related adverse effects. Advise additional contraception only if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
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 Erythromycin
- Conivaptan + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Erythromycin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dienogest / estradiol valerate with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Dienogest / estradiol valerate and Erythromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Erythromycin may modestly raise hormone exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition, which could increase hormonal side effects such as breast tenderness, headache, nausea and irregular bleeding. Contraceptive failure from antibiotics that alter gut flora is poorly supported for macrolides.
How serious is the interaction between Dienogest / estradiol valerate and Erythromycin?
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 dose change is usually needed; counsel the patient to report breakthrough bleeding or hormone-related adverse effects. Advise additional contraception only if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Erythromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erythromycin with, for example, Conivaptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Erythromycin page.
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