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Drug interactions

Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Lenacapavir

Severity: Moderate

Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Lenacapavir: 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

Lenacapavir is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor, and its effect persists for months after the last subcutaneous dose. Exposure to the contraceptive hormones may rise, increasing hormone-related adverse effects.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Lenacapavir 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; Lenacapavir belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Lenacapavir inhibits CYP3A4, reducing the metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel.

What to do

Monitor for estrogenic and progestogenic adverse effects including blood pressure and thromboembolic symptoms, and consider a lower-dose or alternative method if they occur.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Lenacapavir?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Lenacapavir 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. Lenacapavir is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor, and its effect persists for months after the last subcutaneous dose. Exposure to the contraceptive hormones may rise, increasing hormone-related adverse effects.

How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Lenacapavir?

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 for estrogenic and progestogenic adverse effects including blood pressure and thromboembolic symptoms, and consider a lower-dose or alternative method if they occur.

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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