Estradiol with Mycophenolate Mofetil Interaction Details

Brand Names Associated with Estradiol

Brand Names Associated with Mycophenolate Mofetil

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated Nov 13, 2023

Interaction Effect

Decreased contraceptive exposure and effectiveness

Interaction Summary

Coadministration of mycophenolate mofetil with combined oral contraceptives resulted in a significant decrease in exposure to levonorgestrel. Decreased exposure could result in reduced effectiveness of the combination contraceptive. Use additional barrier contraceptive methods when coadministration is required.

Severity

Major

Onset

Unspecified

Evidence

Probable

How To Manage Interaction

Concomitant use of combination oral contraceptives and mycophenolate mofetil may decrease exposure to the progestin component and result in reduced oral contraceptive effectiveness. Use additional barrier contraceptive methods when coadministration is required.

Mechanism Of Interaction

Unknown

Literature Reports

A) .In a study involving 18 women with psoriasis, coadministration of mycophenolate mofetil (1 g twice daily) and combined oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol (0.02 mg to 0.04 mg) and levonorgestrel (0.05 mg and 0.2 mg), desogestrel (0.15 mg) or gestodene (0.05 mg to 0.1 mg) over 3 consecutive menstrual cycles resulted in a significant decrease in levonorgestrel AUC by approximately 15%. The mean AUC was similar for ethinyl estradiol and 3-keto desogestrel. There was large interpatient variability (%CV in the range of 60% to 70%) in the data, especially for ethinyl estradiol. The mean serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and progesterone were not significantly affected .

Estradiol Overview

• Estrogen is used to treat hot flushes ('hot flashes'; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are experiencing menopause ('change of life', the end of monthly menstrual periods). Some brands of estrogen are also used to treat vaginal dryness, itching, or burning, or to prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who are experiencing or have experienced menopause. However, women who need a medication only to treat vaginal dryness or only to prevent osteoporosis should consider a different treatment. Some brands of estrogen are also to relieve symptoms of low estrogen in young women who do not produce enough estrogen naturally. Some brands of estrogen are also used to relieve the symptoms of certain types of breast and prostate (a male reproductive gland) cancer. Estrogen is in a class of medications called hormones. It works by replacing estrogen that is normally produced by the body.

Mycophenolate Mofetil Overview

• Mycophenolate (CellCept) is used with other medications to help prevent transplant organ rejection (attack of the transplanted organ by the immune system of the person receiving the organ) in adults and children 3 months of age and older who have received kidney, heart, or liver transplants. Mycophenolate (Myfortic) is used with other medications to help prevent the body from rejecting kidney transplants in adults and children 5 years of age and older. Mycophenolate is in a class of medications called immunosuppressive agents. It works by weakening the body's immune system so it will not attack and reject the transplanted organ.

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Definitions

Severity Categories

Contraindicated

These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.

Major

This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.

Moderate

This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.

Minor

While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.

Onset

Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.

Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.

Evidence

Level of documentation of the interaction.

Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.

Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.

How To Manage The Interaction

Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.

It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.

Mechanism Of Interaction

The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.

Where Does Our Information Come From?

Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:

• Gold Standard Drug Database
• Micromedex
• Lexicomp
• DrugBank

The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used. 

Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.

The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.