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Drug interactions

Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Siltuximab

Severity: Moderate

Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Siltuximab: 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

Elevated IL-6 suppresses CYP450 enzymes, and blocking IL-6 with siltuximab may restore enzyme activity. This could increase metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates such as ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, possibly lowering contraceptive effectiveness.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Siltuximab 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; Siltuximab belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

IL-6 neutralization reverses cytokine-mediated downregulation of CYP3A4, increasing hormone clearance.

What to do

Counsel patients to use an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method during and for several weeks after siltuximab. Monitor for breakthrough bleeding.

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-norgestimate with Siltuximab?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Siltuximab 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. Elevated IL-6 suppresses CYP450 enzymes, and blocking IL-6 with siltuximab may restore enzyme activity. This could increase metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates such as ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, possibly lowering contraceptive effectiveness.

How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Siltuximab?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel patients to use an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method during and for several weeks after siltuximab. Monitor for breakthrough bleeding.

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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