Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Rufinamide
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Rufinamide: 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
Rufinamide is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and labeling notes it can lower exposure to ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone-type progestins. This may reduce contraceptive reliability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Rufinamide 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-norgestimate belongs to Endocrine; Rufinamide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak induction of CYP3A4 increases hepatic metabolism of contraceptive hormones.
What to do
Advise an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method while taking rufinamide and for a short period after stopping. Consider a non-hormonal method as the primary option.
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-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 Rufinamide
- Carbamazepine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Rufinamide Moderate
- Dronedarone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Esketamine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Rufinamide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with Rufinamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Rufinamide 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. Rufinamide is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and labeling notes it can lower exposure to ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone-type progestins. This may reduce contraceptive reliability.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Rufinamide?
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 additional non-hormonal contraceptive method while taking rufinamide and for a short period after stopping. Consider a non-hormonal method as the primary option.
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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