Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Pioglitazone
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Pioglitazone: 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
Pioglitazone labeling notes that coadministration lowered ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone exposure by roughly a third, suggesting possible reduced contraceptive reliability. The mechanism is unclear. Oral contraceptives may also modestly blunt glucose lowering.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Pioglitazone 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; Pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Mechanism unestablished; pioglitazone may reduce hormone exposure, possibly through CYP3A4 induction.
What to do
Counsel on possible reduced contraceptive efficacy and consider an additional or alternative contraceptive method. Monitor glycemic control.
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
Other interactions of Pioglitazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Pioglitazone 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. Pioglitazone labeling notes that coadministration lowered ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone exposure by roughly a third, suggesting possible reduced contraceptive reliability. The mechanism is unclear. Oral contraceptives may also modestly blunt glucose lowering.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel on possible reduced contraceptive efficacy and consider an additional or alternative contraceptive method. Monitor glycemic control.
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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