Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Insulin nph
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Insulin nph: 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
Oral contraceptives can impair glucose tolerance and may weaken the effect of NPH insulin. Patients with diabetes may see higher glucose readings and need dose changes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Insulin nph 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.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism due to hormone-induced insulin resistance.
What to do
Monitor glycemic control, including HbA1c and home glucose, and adjust the insulin dose as needed.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Insulin nph?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Insulin nph 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. Oral contraceptives can impair glucose tolerance and may weaken the effect of NPH insulin. Patients with diabetes may see higher glucose readings and need dose changes.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Insulin nph?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor glycemic control, including HbA1c and home glucose, and adjust the insulin dose as 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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