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Drug interactions

Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Teriflunomide

Severity: Moderate

Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Teriflunomide: 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

Teriflunomide has been shown to increase systemic exposure to ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. This may raise estrogenic and progestogenic adverse effects. Teriflunomide is also teratogenic, so reliable contraception is essential.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Teriflunomide 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; Teriflunomide belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Not fully established; possibly inhibition of BCRP or CYP-mediated clearance of the hormones by teriflunomide.

What to do

Choose the contraceptive with attention to hormone dose and monitor for estrogenic adverse effects and blood pressure. Continue effective contraception as required by teriflunomide labeling.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Teriflunomide?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Teriflunomide 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. Teriflunomide has been shown to increase systemic exposure to ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. This may raise estrogenic and progestogenic adverse effects. Teriflunomide is also teratogenic, so reliable contraception is essential.

How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Teriflunomide?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose the contraceptive with attention to hormone dose and monitor for estrogenic adverse effects and blood pressure. Continue effective contraception as required by teriflunomide labeling.

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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