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Drug interactions

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Letrozole

Severity: Major

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Letrozole: 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

Letrozole suppresses estrogen synthesis in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Estrogen-containing contraceptives provide exogenous estrogen that can oppose this effect and may stimulate hormone-dependent tumor growth.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Letrozole 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; Letrozole belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Pharmacodynamic antagonism: exogenous estrogen counteracts aromatase inhibition.

What to do

Avoid estrogen-containing products with letrozole. Use a non-hormonal contraceptive if one is needed in a premenopausal patient.

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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Letrozole?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Letrozole 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. Letrozole suppresses estrogen synthesis in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Estrogen-containing contraceptives provide exogenous estrogen that can oppose this effect and may stimulate hormone-dependent tumor growth.

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

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 estrogen-containing products with letrozole. Use a non-hormonal contraceptive if one is needed in a premenopausal patient.

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.

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