Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Mycophenolate
Severity: Major
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Mycophenolate: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Mycophenolate may modestly reduce levonorgestrel exposure, and the labeling recommends additional contraception because mycophenolate is teratogenic. Any loss of contraceptive efficacy carries a serious fetal risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Mycophenolate 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
Mechanism is not established; a possible small reduction in progestin exposure.
What to do
Use an additional barrier or alternative highly effective method during and after mycophenolate therapy per labeling. Counsel on pregnancy testing and prevention.
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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References
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 Mycophenolate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Mycophenolate 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. Mycophenolate may modestly reduce levonorgestrel exposure, and the labeling recommends additional contraception because mycophenolate is teratogenic. Any loss of contraceptive efficacy carries a serious fetal risk.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Mycophenolate?
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 additional barrier or alternative highly effective method during and after mycophenolate therapy per labeling. Counsel on pregnancy testing and prevention.
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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