Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Nevirapine
Severity: Major
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Nevirapine: 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
Nevirapine induces CYP3A4 and can lower ethinyl estradiol and progestin exposure. This may reduce contraceptive reliability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Nevirapine 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.
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Nevirapine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 (and related enzymes) increases hepatic metabolism of the hormones.
What to do
Use an alternative or additional non-hormonal method such as a copper IUD or condoms. Avoid depending on combined oral contraceptives alone.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Nevirapine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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
Other interactions of Nevirapine
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Nevirapine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + St john's wort Contraindicated
- Abemaciclib + Nevirapine Major
- Acalabrutinib + Nevirapine Major
- Amobarbital + Nevirapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Nevirapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Nevirapine 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. Nevirapine induces CYP3A4 and can lower ethinyl estradiol and progestin exposure. This may reduce contraceptive reliability.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Nevirapine?
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 method such as a copper IUD or condoms. Avoid depending on combined oral contraceptives alone.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
