Drug interactions
Heparin + Mestranol
Severity: Major
Heparin and Mestranol: major 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
Mestranol, a prodrug of ethinylestradiol, increases thrombotic risk and can counter heparin therapy. It should be avoided in patients being treated for thrombosis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Heparin and Mestranol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Estrogenic prothrombotic effects oppose anticoagulation.
What to do
Stop mestranol during acute thromboembolism and switch to non-estrogen contraception.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Heparin
- Defibrotide + Heparin Contraindicated
- Heparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Heparin + Oritavancin Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Heparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Heparin Major
- Alteplase + Heparin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Heparin with Mestranol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Heparin and Mestranol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Mestranol, a prodrug of ethinylestradiol, increases thrombotic risk and can counter heparin therapy. It should be avoided in patients being treated for thrombosis.
How serious is the interaction between Heparin and Mestranol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Stop mestranol during acute thromboembolism and switch to non-estrogen contraception.
What other medicines interact with Heparin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Heparin with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Oritavancin. The full list is on the Heparin page.
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