Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Rifapentine
Severity: Major
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Rifapentine: 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
Rifapentine induces hepatic metabolism and can reduce exposure to contraceptive estrogen and progestin. This raises the risk of contraceptive failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Rifapentine 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; Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 and other enzymes by rifapentine accelerates hormone metabolism.
What to do
Advise a non-hormonal contraceptive method during treatment and for several weeks after the last rifapentine dose.
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
Other interactions of Rifapentine
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Ranolazine + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Rifapentine 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. Rifapentine induces hepatic metabolism and can reduce exposure to contraceptive estrogen and progestin. This raises the risk of contraceptive failure.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise a non-hormonal contraceptive method during treatment and for several weeks after the last rifapentine dose.
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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