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Drug interactions

Drospirenone + Lumacaftor / ivacaftor

Severity: Major

Drospirenone and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor: major 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

Lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer and can reduce hormonal contraceptive exposure, making contraception less reliable. Hormonal contraceptives are not recommended with it.

What this interaction means in plain words

Drospirenone and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Lumacaftor induces CYP3A4, increasing drospirenone metabolism and lowering its levels.

What to do

Use a non-hormonal contraceptive method instead of relying on drospirenone.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Drospirenone with Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Drospirenone and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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. Lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer and can reduce hormonal contraceptive exposure, making contraception less reliable. Hormonal contraceptives are not recommended with it.

How serious is the interaction between Drospirenone and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-hormonal contraceptive method instead of relying on drospirenone.

What other medicines interact with Drospirenone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Drospirenone with, for example, Belzutifan, Bosentan, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Drospirenone page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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