Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Grapefruit
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Grapefruit: 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
Grapefruit juice may modestly raise ethinyl estradiol exposure. The effect is generally small and rarely clinically significant, though estrogenic adverse effects such as nausea or breast tenderness could be more noticeable with large intake.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Grapefruit have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Grapefruit components inhibit intestinal CYP3A4 and reduce first-pass metabolism of ethinyl estradiol.
What to do
No change is usually needed; advise patients to keep grapefruit intake moderate and consistent, and review if estrogenic adverse effects appear.
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-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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Grapefruit have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Grapefruit juice may modestly raise ethinyl estradiol exposure. The effect is generally small and rarely clinically significant, though estrogenic adverse effects such as nausea or breast tenderness could be more noticeable with large intake.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No change is usually needed; advise patients to keep grapefruit intake moderate and consistent, and review if estrogenic adverse effects appear.
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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