Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Metformin: minor 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
Combined oral contraceptives can impair glucose tolerance and raise insulin resistance in some users, which may blunt the glucose-lowering effect of metformin. The effect is usually small, but glycemic control can drift in patients with diabetes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: estrogen and progestin components may reduce insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c when starting or stopping the contraceptive in a patient with diabetes, and adjust metformin if control worsens.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Combined oral contraceptives can impair glucose tolerance and raise insulin resistance in some users, which may blunt the glucose-lowering effect of metformin. The effect is usually small, but glycemic control can drift in patients with diabetes.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Metformin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c when starting or stopping the contraceptive in a patient with diabetes, and adjust metformin if control worsens.
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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