Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Exemestane
Severity: Major
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Exemestane: 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
Exemestane is an aromatase inactivator used to lower estrogen in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Giving an estrogen-containing contraceptive works against its purpose, and the combination is not appropriate. The patient is also unlikely to need a contraceptive in this setting.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Exemestane 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-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Exemestane belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Exogenous estrogen opposes the estrogen-lowering pharmacodynamic effect of exemestane.
What to do
Avoid estrogen-containing products with exemestane. Use non-hormonal approaches if contraception or symptom control is needed.
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-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 Exemestane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Exemestane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Exemestane 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. Exemestane is an aromatase inactivator used to lower estrogen in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Giving an estrogen-containing contraceptive works against its purpose, and the combination is not appropriate. The patient is also unlikely to need a contraceptive in this setting.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Exemestane?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid estrogen-containing products with exemestane. Use non-hormonal approaches if contraception or symptom control is needed.
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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