Drug interactions
Exenatide + Levonorgestrel
Severity: Minor
Exenatide and Levonorgestrel: 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
Exenatide slows gastric emptying, which may delay absorption of oral levonorgestrel, and hormonal contraceptives can slightly impair glucose tolerance. The effects are usually small but could matter for contraceptive reliability or glycemic control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Exenatide and Levonorgestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Exenatide belongs to Endocrine; Levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Exenatide delays gastric emptying and may slow oral absorption, while progestin/estrogen activity may reduce insulin sensitivity.
What to do
Advise taking oral levonorgestrel-containing contraceptives at least 1 hour before exenatide and monitor blood glucose. Recommend backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
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?
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Other interactions of Exenatide
- Chlorpropamide + Exenatide Major
- Asenapine + Exenatide Moderate
- Betamethasone + Exenatide Moderate
- Chlorothiazide + Exenatide Moderate
- Clozapine + Exenatide Moderate
- Cortisone + Exenatide Moderate
Other interactions of Levonorgestrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Exenatide with Levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Exenatide and Levonorgestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Exenatide slows gastric emptying, which may delay absorption of oral levonorgestrel, and hormonal contraceptives can slightly impair glucose tolerance. The effects are usually small but could matter for contraceptive reliability or glycemic control.
How serious is the interaction between Exenatide and Levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise taking oral levonorgestrel-containing contraceptives at least 1 hour before exenatide and monitor blood glucose. Recommend backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Exenatide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Exenatide with, for example, Chlorpropamide, Asenapine, Betamethasone. The full list is on the Exenatide page.
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