Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Etravirine
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Etravirine: moderate 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
Etravirine is a CYP3A4 inducer but also affects other pathways, and the net effect on contraceptive hormones is variable. Etravirine has been reported to raise ethinyl estradiol exposure in studies, while levonorgestrel exposure may decrease. Contraceptive reliability may be uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Etravirine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Etravirine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Etravirine modulates CYP3A4 and CYP2C9/2C19 activity, producing variable changes in contraceptive hormone exposure.
What to do
Use an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method such as a copper IUD or condoms. Monitor for breakthrough bleeding and estrogenic adverse effects.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
Other interactions of Etravirine
- Efavirenz + Etravirine Contraindicated
- Etravirine + Isavuconazole Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Etravirine Major
- Apalutamide + Etravirine Major
- Carbamazepine + Etravirine Major
- Cobicistat + Etravirine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Etravirine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Etravirine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Etravirine is a CYP3A4 inducer but also affects other pathways, and the net effect on contraceptive hormones is variable. Etravirine has been reported to raise ethinyl estradiol exposure in studies, while levonorgestrel exposure may decrease. Contraceptive reliability may be uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Etravirine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method such as a copper IUD or condoms. Monitor for breakthrough bleeding and estrogenic adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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