Drug interactions
Levonorgestrel + Rifapentine
Severity: Major
Levonorgestrel and Rifapentine: 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
Rifapentine induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce progestin exposure, risking contraceptive failure. Oral and emergency levonorgestrel are most affected.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levonorgestrel and Rifapentine 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.
Levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by rifapentine increases levonorgestrel clearance.
What to do
Use a copper IUD or other non-hormonal method during rifapentine and for about four weeks after stopping. For emergency contraception, prefer a copper IUD.
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 Levonorgestrel
Other interactions of Rifapentine
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Ranolazine + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levonorgestrel with Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levonorgestrel and Rifapentine 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. Rifapentine induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce progestin exposure, risking contraceptive failure. Oral and emergency levonorgestrel are most affected.
How serious is the interaction between Levonorgestrel and Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a copper IUD or other non-hormonal method during rifapentine and for about four weeks after stopping. 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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