Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Metformin: 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
Combined oral contraceptives can impair glucose tolerance and reduce insulin sensitivity, which may partly offset the glucose-lowering effect of metformin. The effect is usually small with modern low-dose products but may matter in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate belongs to Endocrine; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: estrogen and progestin can cause insulin resistance and raise blood glucose.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the antidiabetic regimen if control worsens.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Metformin, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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
Other interactions of Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Combined oral contraceptives can impair glucose tolerance and reduce insulin sensitivity, which may partly offset the glucose-lowering effect of metformin. The effect is usually small with modern low-dose products but may matter in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Metformin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the antidiabetic regimen if control worsens.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
