Drug interactions
Mestranol + Nevirapine
Severity: Major
Mestranol and Nevirapine: 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
Nevirapine can lower the exposure to estrogens such as mestranol, reducing the reliability of hormonal contraception. This raises the risk of unintended pregnancy and breakthrough bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mestranol and Nevirapine 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
Nevirapine induces hepatic CYP3A4 and related enzymes, accelerating the metabolism of the estrogen component.
What to do
Do not rely on oral estrogen-containing contraceptives alone; add or switch to a barrier method or a non-hormonal option such as a copper IUD or DMPA.
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 Nevirapine
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Nevirapine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + St john's wort Contraindicated
- Abemaciclib + Nevirapine Major
- Acalabrutinib + Nevirapine Major
- Amobarbital + Nevirapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mestranol with Nevirapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Mestranol and Nevirapine 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. Nevirapine can lower the exposure to estrogens such as mestranol, reducing the reliability of hormonal contraception. This raises the risk of unintended pregnancy and breakthrough bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Mestranol and Nevirapine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not rely on oral estrogen-containing contraceptives alone; add or switch to a barrier method or a non-hormonal option such as a copper IUD or DMPA.
What other medicines interact with Nevirapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nevirapine with, for example, Elbasvir / grazoprevir, Ranolazine, St john's wort. The full list is on the Nevirapine page.
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