Drug interactions
Levonorgestrel + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Levonorgestrel and Rifabutin: 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
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4 and may reduce systemic levonorgestrel levels, which could affect oral or emergency contraceptives. The intrauterine system acts mainly locally and is less affected.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levonorgestrel and Rifabutin 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.
Levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4, increasing the metabolism of levonorgestrel.
What to do
For oral contraception, add or switch to a non-hormonal method during rifabutin therapy and for several weeks afterward. For emergency contraception, prefer a copper IUD.
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 Levonorgestrel
Other interactions of Rifabutin
- Cabotegravir + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Rifabutin + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Rifabutin Major
- Axitinib + Rifabutin Major
- Brexpiprazole + Rifabutin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levonorgestrel with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Levonorgestrel and Rifabutin 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. Rifabutin induces CYP3A4 and may reduce systemic levonorgestrel levels, which could affect oral or emergency contraceptives. The intrauterine system acts mainly locally and is less affected.
How serious is the interaction between Levonorgestrel and Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: For oral contraception, add or switch to a non-hormonal method during rifabutin therapy and for several weeks afterward. For emergency contraception, prefer a copper IUD.
What other medicines interact with Levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Levonorgestrel with, for example, Amobarbital, Apalutamide, Belzutifan. The full list is on the Levonorgestrel page.
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