Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Insulin degludec
Severity: Moderate
Ethinylestradiol and Insulin degludec: 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
Ethinylestradiol, especially in combined contraceptives, can impair glucose tolerance and reduce insulin sensitivity. Patients on insulin degludec may see higher glucose levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Insulin degludec 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.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism via estrogen-related insulin resistance.
What to do
Monitor glucose more often after starting or changing the estrogen product. Adjust the insulin degludec dose as needed.
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 Insulin degludec
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Insulin degludec?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinylestradiol and Insulin degludec 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. Ethinylestradiol, especially in combined contraceptives, can impair glucose tolerance and reduce insulin sensitivity. Patients on insulin degludec may see higher glucose levels.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Insulin degludec?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor glucose more often after starting or changing the estrogen product. Adjust the insulin degludec dose as needed.
What other medicines interact with Insulin degludec?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Insulin degludec with, for example, Alogliptin-pioglitazone, Ethanol, Glimepiride-pioglitazone. The full list is on the Insulin degludec page.
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