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Drug interactions

Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate + Minocycline

Severity: Minor

Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Minocycline: 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

Tetracyclines have not been shown in controlled studies to reduce the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives. A small theoretical effect via gut flora is proposed, and contraceptive failure is considered unlikely.

What this interaction means in plain words

Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Minocycline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Proposed disruption of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinylestradiol by altered gut flora, unconfirmed.

What to do

No routine backup contraception is needed. Advise 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate with Minocycline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Minocycline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Tetracyclines have not been shown in controlled studies to reduce the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives. A small theoretical effect via gut flora is proposed, and contraceptive failure is considered unlikely.

How serious is the interaction between Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Minocycline?

MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine backup contraception is needed. Advise backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.

What other medicines interact with Minocycline?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Minocycline with, for example, Acitretin, Isotretinoin, Cholera vaccine. The full list is on the Minocycline page.

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