Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Pitolisant
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Pitolisant: 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
Pitolisant is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may reduce hormonal contraceptive exposure. Labeling advises that effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced during and after treatment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Pitolisant 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; Pitolisant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak induction of CYP3A4 increases metabolism of the contraceptive hormones.
What to do
Advise an alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method during pitolisant treatment and for at least 21 days after stopping.
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 Pitolisant
- Alfuzosin + Pitolisant Major
- Amiodarone + Pitolisant Major
- Amisulpride + Pitolisant Major
- Anagrelide + Pitolisant Major
- Asenapine + Pitolisant Major
- Bupropion + Pitolisant Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Pitolisant 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. Pitolisant is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may reduce hormonal contraceptive exposure. Labeling advises that effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced during and after treatment.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise an alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method during pitolisant treatment and for at least 21 days after stopping.
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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