Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Ethinylestradiol 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
Ethinylestradiol, particularly in combined oral contraceptives, can modestly reduce insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, which may slightly diminish metformin's effect. Clinical impact is usually small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol 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.
Why it happens
Estrogen and progestin effects on insulin sensitivity may oppose metformin.
What to do
Monitor glycemic control when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust metformin if needed.
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 Ethinylestradiol 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 Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinylestradiol 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. Ethinylestradiol, particularly in combined oral contraceptives, can modestly reduce insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, which may slightly diminish metformin's effect. Clinical impact is usually small.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol 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 glycemic control when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust metformin if needed.
What other medicines interact with Metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin 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.
