Drug interactions
Mestranol + Metformin-pioglitazone
Severity: Minor
Mestranol and Metformin-pioglitazone: 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
Pioglitazone has been reported to lower exposure to ethinylestradiol-type contraceptive hormones, and mestranol is converted to ethinylestradiol. This could reduce contraceptive reliability, although the effect is probably small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mestranol and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible induction of CYP3A4-mediated estrogen metabolism by pioglitazone; mechanism not firmly established.
What to do
Counsel patients on contraceptive effectiveness and consider an additional barrier method or a higher-dose estrogen product if breakthrough bleeding 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 Metformin-pioglitazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mestranol with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Mestranol and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pioglitazone has been reported to lower exposure to ethinylestradiol-type contraceptive hormones, and mestranol is converted to ethinylestradiol. This could reduce contraceptive reliability, although the effect is probably small.
How serious is the interaction between Mestranol and Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel patients on contraceptive effectiveness and consider an additional barrier method or a higher-dose estrogen product if breakthrough bleeding occurs.
What other medicines interact with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin-pioglitazone page.
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