Skip to content

Drug interactions

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Idelalisib

Severity: Major

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Idelalisib: 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

Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and can substantially raise exposure to CYP3A substrates. Increased drospirenone may cause hyperkalemia and increased estrogen may raise thrombotic and other adverse effects.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Idelalisib 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.

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine; Idelalisib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Idelalisib inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone.

What to do

Consider a non-hormonal contraceptive during idelalisib therapy. If continued, monitor serum potassium and blood pressure.

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.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Idelalisib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Idelalisib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Idelalisib 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. Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and can substantially raise exposure to CYP3A substrates. Increased drospirenone may cause hyperkalemia and increased estrogen may raise thrombotic and other adverse effects.

How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Idelalisib?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider a non-hormonal contraceptive during idelalisib therapy. If continued, monitor serum potassium and blood pressure.

What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.

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

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in