Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Grapefruit
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Grapefruit: minor 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
Grapefruit juice may modestly increase ethinyl estradiol exposure by inhibiting intestinal CYP3A4. The effect is small and unlikely to be clinically important for most patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Grapefruit have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Furanocoumarins in grapefruit inhibit intestinal CYP3A4 metabolism of ethinyl estradiol.
What to do
No dose change is needed. Advise patients to avoid large daily amounts of grapefruit juice if estrogenic adverse effects occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Grapefruit have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Grapefruit juice may modestly increase ethinyl estradiol exposure by inhibiting intestinal CYP3A4. The effect is small and unlikely to be clinically important for most patients.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is needed. Advise patients to avoid large daily amounts of grapefruit juice if estrogenic adverse effects occur.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.
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