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Drug interactions

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Rifapentine

Severity: Major

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Rifapentine: 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

Rifapentine induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce exposure to contraceptive steroids. This may result in contraceptive failure.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Rifapentine 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; Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Induction of CYP3A4 and other metabolic enzymes accelerates clearance of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone.

What to do

Use a nonhormonal contraceptive method during treatment and for about 4 weeks after the last dose.

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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Rifapentine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Rifapentine 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. Rifapentine induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce exposure to contraceptive steroids. This may result in contraceptive failure.

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

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 nonhormonal contraceptive method during treatment and for about 4 weeks after the last dose.

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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