Ethynodiol and Cyclosporine Injection: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Cyclosporine Injection
Ethynodiol
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Increased cycloSPORINE exposure and an increased risk of cycloSPORINE toxicity (renal dysfunction, cholestasis, paresthesias)
Interaction Deep Dive
COCs containing ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of cycloSPORINE and may increase the plasma concentrations of cycloSPORINE2. Concurrent use of cycloSPORINE and combination contraceptives has resulted in higher cycloSPORINE concentrations 4 according to several case reports 35. These reports have demonstrated that androgens, estrogens, and progestins increase cycloSPORINE concentrations, probably through reduced hepatic cycloSPORINE metabolism 163.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of cycloSPORINE metabolism
Literature reports
2 reports — tap to read
a) Concomitant administration of cycloSPORINE and an oral contraceptive doubled plasma cycloSPORINE concentrations compared with baseline in a 32-year-old woman. The oral contraceptive contained levonorgestrel 150 mcg and ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg. The level declined after the preparation was discontinued, but the same sequence occurred on rechallenge 3.
b) Norethindrone was associated with increased cycloSPORINE levels in a 15-year-old female renal transplant patient. The cycloSPORINE level decreased after norethindrone was discontinued 1.
Common questions
Can I take Ethynodiol and Cyclosporine Injection together?
Increased cycloSPORINE exposure and an increased risk of cycloSPORINE toxicity (renal dysfunction, cholestasis, paresthesias) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Ethynodiol and Cyclosporine Injection interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Ethynodiol or Cyclosporine Injection need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (6)
- Ross WB, Roberts D, & Griffin PJ: Cyclosporin interaction with danazol and norethisterone (letter). Lancet 1986; 1:330. DOI
- Product Information: LOESTRIN(R) 24 Fe oral tablets, norethindrone acetate ethinyl estradiol oral tablets, ferrous fumarate oral tablets. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc (per FDA), Parsippany, NJ, 2023. DailyMed
- Deray G, le Hoang P, Cacoub P, et al: Oral contraceptive interaction with cyclosporine (letter). Lancet 1987; 1:158-159. PubMed
- Product Information: Ortho Evra(TM), norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol. Ortho-McNeil Pharamaceutical, Inc. Raritan, NJ, 2001.
- Maurer G: Metabolism of cyclosporine. Transplant Proc 1985; 17:19.
- Moller BB & Ekelund B: Toxicity of cyclosporine during treatment with androgens (letter). N Engl J Med 1985; 313:1416. DOI
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