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Drug interactions

Encorafenib + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel

Severity: Major

Encorafenib and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: US FDA label

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

Encorafenib induces CYP3A4 and may lower concentrations of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, risking contraceptive failure. Because encorafenib can cause fetal harm, loss of contraceptive efficacy is clinically important.

What this interaction means in plain words

Encorafenib 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.

Encorafenib belongs to Oncology; Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of the contraceptive hormones.

What to do

Use a highly effective non-hormonal contraceptive during treatment and for about 2 weeks after the last encorafenib dose. Do not rely on hormonal contraception alone.

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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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Encorafenib with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Encorafenib 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. Encorafenib induces CYP3A4 and may lower concentrations of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, risking contraceptive failure. Because encorafenib can cause fetal harm, loss of contraceptive efficacy is clinically important.

How serious is the interaction between Encorafenib 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: Use a highly effective non-hormonal contraceptive during treatment and for about 2 weeks after the last encorafenib dose. Do not rely on hormonal contraception alone.

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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