Drug interactions
Elagolix + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
Severity: Major
Elagolix and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: 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
Elagolix suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, and estrogen-containing contraceptives are expected to oppose its effect and reduce its efficacy. Elagolix is also not a reliable contraceptive when combined with hormonal methods, and its own effect on contraceptive efficacy is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Elagolix and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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.
Elagolix belongs to Musculoskeletal; Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism between exogenous estrogen/progestin and GnRH receptor antagonism by elagolix.
What to do
Avoid combining the two drugs and use non-hormonal contraception during elagolix and for about one week after stopping. Reassess symptom control if hormonal contraception is considered necessary.
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?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
Other interactions of Elagolix
- Cyclosporin + Elagolix Contraindicated
- Elagolix + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Elagolix Major
- Elagolix + Erythromycin Major
- Elagolix + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Elagolix + Ketoconazole Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Elagolix with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Elagolix and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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. Elagolix suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, and estrogen-containing contraceptives are expected to oppose its effect and reduce its efficacy. Elagolix is also not a reliable contraceptive when combined with hormonal methods, and its own effect on contraceptive efficacy is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Elagolix and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining the two drugs and use non-hormonal contraception during elagolix and for about one week after stopping. Reassess symptom control if hormonal contraception is considered necessary.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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