Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Indinavir
Severity: Major
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Indinavir: 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
Indinavir, usually with ritonavir, can alter hormone concentrations; ethinyl estradiol exposure may change in either direction and contraceptive efficacy may be reduced. Unreliable contraception is a concern as is an increase in hormone-related adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Indinavir 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
Protease inhibitor effects on CYP3A4 and glucuronidation altering contraceptive hormone metabolism.
What to do
Use an alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method. Review current antiretroviral labeling and guideline recommendations for the specific regimen.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Indinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Indinavir 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. Indinavir, usually with ritonavir, can alter hormone concentrations; ethinyl estradiol exposure may change in either direction and contraceptive efficacy may be reduced. Unreliable contraception is a concern as is an increase in hormone-related adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Indinavir?
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 an alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method. Review current antiretroviral labeling and guideline recommendations for the specific regimen.
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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