Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Metformin: 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
Oral contraceptives may slightly worsen glucose tolerance and so reduce the glycemic benefit of metformin. With low-dose modern formulations the clinical effect is usually small but can matter in poorly controlled diabetes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism, as sex steroids can decrease insulin sensitivity and raise glucose.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c after starting or stopping the contraceptive and titrate metformin if control worsens.
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
Other interactions of Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Oral contraceptives may slightly worsen glucose tolerance and so reduce the glycemic benefit of metformin. With low-dose modern formulations the clinical effect is usually small but can matter in poorly controlled diabetes.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Metformin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c after starting or stopping the contraceptive and titrate metformin if control worsens.
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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