Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Saquinavir
Severity: Major
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Saquinavir: 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
Boosted saquinavir regimens can change hormone exposure and may reduce contraceptive efficacy. Increased drospirenone exposure from CYP3A4 inhibition could also raise potassium.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Saquinavir 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.
Why it happens
Saquinavir with ritonavir modulates CYP3A4 and glucuronidation, altering ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone levels.
What to do
Use a nonhormonal contraceptive method during therapy. Monitor potassium if drospirenone is continued.
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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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Saquinavir 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. Boosted saquinavir regimens can change hormone exposure and may reduce contraceptive efficacy. Increased drospirenone exposure from CYP3A4 inhibition could also raise potassium.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Saquinavir?
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 therapy. Monitor potassium if drospirenone is continued.
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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