Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Lopinavir
Severity: Major
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Lopinavir: 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
Lopinavir/ritonavir can lower ethinyl estradiol exposure while inhibiting CYP3A4, which may increase drospirenone. Contraceptive efficacy may be reduced and potassium may rise.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Lopinavir 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; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir induces glucuronidation of ethinyl estradiol and inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of drospirenone.
What to do
Use a non-hormonal or alternative contraceptive. If drospirenone is used, monitor serum potassium.
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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References
Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
Other interactions of Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Lopinavir 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. Lopinavir/ritonavir can lower ethinyl estradiol exposure while inhibiting CYP3A4, which may increase drospirenone. Contraceptive efficacy may be reduced and potassium may rise.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Lopinavir?
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 or alternative contraceptive. If drospirenone is used, monitor serum potassium.
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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