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Ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel Disease Interactions

There are 24 disease interactions with ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel.

Major

Combined oral contraceptives (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) smoking

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from estrogen-containing combination oral contraceptives (COC). This risk increases with age, particularly in females over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs are contraindicated in females who are over 35 years of age and smoke.

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Major

Contraceptives (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) abnormal genital bleeding

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

The use of contraceptives is contraindicated when there is an undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding. Adequate diagnostic measures should be undertaken to rule out the presence of any malignancy.

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Major

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) abnormal vaginal bleeding

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility. Applicable conditions: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

The use of estrogens is contraindicated in patients with undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Prolonged (> 1 year), unopposed estrogen use (i.e. estrogen without concomitant progestin therapy) has been associated with a significant, dose-related risk of endometrial carcinoma. The risk may be offset substantially by the addition of a progestin but may not be completely abolished. Prior to initiating estrogen therapy, appropriate diagnostic tests should be performed in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding to rule out endometrial malignancy. The same applies if recurrent or persistent bleeding develops during estrogen therapy.

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Major

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) carcinomas (estrogenic)

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility. Applicable conditions: Neoplasia -- Estrogen Dependent

The use of estrogens is generally contraindicated in patients with known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia such as breast and endometrial cancer, since it may stimulate tumor proliferation. High dosages of estrogens may be used for the palliative treatment of inoperable, metastatic breast cancer, but only in appropriately selected men and postmenopausal women.

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Major

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) hypercalcemia in breast cancer

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

When treated with an estrogen, patients with breast cancer and bone metastases may develop severe hypercalcemia, in which case the drug should be stopped and measures be taken to reduce serum calcium levels.

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Major

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) hypertension

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility.

The risk of myocardial infarction and strokes, including those associated with oral contraceptive use and some estrogen use, is increased in patients with hypertension. Moreover, estrogens (and progestogens) may elevate blood pressure and worsen the hypertension, thus compounding the risk. Clinically significant blood pressure increases have been reported during estrogen therapy, particularly in patients receiving high dosages or treated with oral contraceptive combinations having high progestational activity. These effects also increase with duration of therapy and patient age. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypertension. Patients should be monitored for changes in cardiovascular status, and their antihypertensive regimen adjusted or estrogen therapy withdrawn as necessary. In patients requiring contraception, alternative methods should be considered for those who are hypertensive, over age 35, and smoke.

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Major

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) thromboembolism/cardiovascular

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Migraine, History - Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder, Cerebral Vascular Disorder, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder, Ischemic Heart Disease

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Although the clinical significance of these effects is unknown, epidemiological data suggest it may be dose-dependent. The risk is probably slight with the use of newer, low-dose oral contraceptives in the absence of known risk factors (e.g., smoker, particularly over the age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40). However, a much more significant risk has been reported with higher dosages, such as those used to treat prostate or metastatic breast cancer or those used in older formulations of birth control pills. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of breast or prostatic malignancy.

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Major

Estrogens/progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) hepatic neoplasms

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility. Applicable conditions: Hepatic Tumor, Hepatic Tumor

The use of oral contraceptives is contraindicated in patients with liver tumors. An increased risk of benign hepatic adenomas and hepatocellular carcinomas has been associated with long-term, oral estrogen- progestin contraceptive use of at least 4 years and 8 years, respectively. Although these tumors are rare and have not been reported with other types of estrogen or progestogen therapies, any preparation containing estrogens and/or progestogens should probably be avoided in patients with existing tumors of the liver. Hepatic hemangiomas and nodular hyperplasia of the liver have been reported with isolated estrogen therapy.

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Major

Progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) breast malignancy

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility. Applicable conditions: Breast Cancer

The use of progestogens is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with existing or suspected malignancy of the breast. Some supportive data are available for medroxyprogesterone. Specifically, medroxyprogesterone treatment may be associated with breast cancer, primarily when the drug is administered intramuscularly. A pooled analysis of two case-control studies, one from the World Health Organization and the other from New Zealand, revealed a small overall relative risk of breast cancer in women who have ever used intramuscular medroxyprogesterone acetate. The relative risk was higher in the subgroup of women who had initiated therapy within the previous 5 years. Thus, an increased risk (approximately 2-fold) is associated with intramuscular medroxyprogesterone use in the first 5 years. A more recent U.S. study also found a statistically significant increase in breast cancer risk among recent users (defined as last use within the past five years) who used depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 months or longer.

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Major

Progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) liver disease

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility.

The use of progestogens, in general, is contraindicated in patients with impaired hepatic function or liver disease. There are little or no data concerning the pharmacokinetic disposition of the different progestogens in patients with hepatic disease. However, most hormones, including progestational hormones, are known to be extensively metabolized by the liver. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used by women with significant liver disease and should be discontinued if jaundice or disturbances of liver function occur.

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Moderate

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) angioedema

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

The use of exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema, particularly in women with hereditary angioedema. Close monitoring is recommended when prescribing these agents to patients predisposed to angioedema.

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Moderate

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) gallbladder disease

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

A two- to four-fold increase in risk of gallbladder disease has been noted in women receiving postmenopausal estrogen therapy. The risk for gallbladder disease may be less for premenopausal women using oral contraceptives containing low-dose estrogens and/or progestins. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting gallbladder disease.

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Moderate

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) hypercalcemia

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Hyperparathyroidism, Renal Dysfunction

Estrogens influence the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Intestinal absorption and retention of calcium are increased, which may occasionally result in hypercalcemia. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, or metabolic bone diseases that are associated with hypercalcemia.

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Moderate

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) hyperlipidemia

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

Although estrogens have generally favorable effects on plasma lipids, including increases in HDL and decreases in total cholesterol and LDL, they have also been associated with significant elevations in triglyceride levels, particularly when high dosages are used. Severe hyperlipidemia is known to sometimes cause pancreatitis. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during estrogen therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

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Moderate

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) liver disease

Moderate Potential Hazard, High plausibility.

Estrogens are primarily metabolized by the liver. Patients with impaired hepatic function may be at increased risk for adverse effects associated with estrogen administration due to decreased drug clearance. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease. In addition, clinicians should be aware that estrogen therapy may affect liver function tests. Increased sulfobromophthalein retention has been reported with the use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives and may be expected with larger doses of estrogens.

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Moderate

Estrogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) melasma

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

The use of exogenous estrogens may occasionally cause chloasma, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking combination oral contraceptives.

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Moderate

Estrogens/progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) depression

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

The use of oral contraceptives has been associated with an increased incidence of depression. It is uncertain whether this effect is related to the estrogenic or the progestogenic component of the contraceptive, although excess progesterone activity is associated with depression. Patients with a history of depression receiving estrogen and/or progestogen therapy should be followed closely. The manufacturer of medroxyprogesterone recommends monitoring patients who have a history of depression and to not re- administer medroxyprogesterone if depression recurs.

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Moderate

Estrogens/progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) fluid retention

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Migraine, Asthma, Seizures, Congestive Heart Failure, Renal Dysfunction, Renal Dysfunction, Migraine, Asthma, Seizures, Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

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Moderate

Estrogens/progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) glucose intolerance

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus

Impaired glucose tolerance has been observed in some patients administered oral contraceptives and appears to be related primarily to the estrogen dose. However, progestogens can increase insulin secretion and produce insulin resistance to varying degrees, depending on the agent. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be monitored more closely during therapy with estrogens and/or progestogens, and adjustments made accordingly in their antidiabetic regimen.

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Moderate

Estrogens/progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) retinal thrombosis

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Visual Defect/Disturbance, Visual Defect/Disturbance

Estrogens and progestogens may cause retinal thrombosis. Oral contraceptives should be discontinued if there is unexplained partial or complete loss of vision; onset of proptosis or diplopia; papilledema; or retinal vascular lesions. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting ocular problems and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be instituted. Contact lens wearers who develop visual changes or changes in lens tolerance should be assessed by an ophthalmologist.

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Moderate

Estrogens/progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) thyroid function tests

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Thyroid Disease, Thyroid Disease

When administering estrogen and/or progestogen therapy in patients with thyroid disorders, clinicians should be aware that these hormones may affect thyroid function tests. Changes have mostly been reported with the use of combination oral contraceptives. Specifically, thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) may be increased, resulting in elevated circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by PBI (protein-bound iodine), T4 by column or radioimmunoassay, or T3 by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake may be decreased. On the contrary, a decrease in TBG and, consequently, thyroxine concentration, has been reported by the manufacturers of the progestin-only (norethindrone) oral contraceptives.

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Moderate

Levonorgestrel (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) cardiovascular disease

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Cerebral Vascular Disorder, History - Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder

The use of levonorgestrel requires careful assessment and caution in conditions of arterial disease, including stroke and myocardial infarction, and also, in patients with increased blood pressure and coagulopathies.

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Moderate

Progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) hyperlipidemia

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

Some progestogenic agents may elevate plasma LDL levels and/or lower HDL levels, although data have been inconsistent. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during progestogen therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

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Minor

Progestogens (applies to ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) weight gain

Minor Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Obesity

Progestogens can cause weight gain, which may be significant (as is the case with parenteral medroxyprogesterone) and undesirable in obese patients attempting to lose weight.

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Ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel drug interactions

There are 468 drug interactions with ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel.

Ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel alcohol/food interactions

There are 8 alcohol/food interactions with ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.