Gynecological conditions and HIV / AIDS

October 2005     View PDF     En español

Interactions between anti-HIV drugs and oral contraceptives

Several anti-HIV drugs interfere with the way the body processes oral contraceptives (OCs). The most common oral contraceptive is called ethinyl-estradiol (estrogen + progesterone). The following is a list of known drug interactions. If you take any of the anti-HIV drugs below and use an OC, talk with your doctor and consider using another method of birth control.

Crixivan (indinavir)
May increase ethinyl-estradiol levels in the blood.

Viramune (nevirapine)
May decrease ethinyl-estradiol levels in the blood, making OC less effective; increase OC dose or another method of birth control recommended.

Viracept (nelfinavir)
May decrease ethinyl-estradiol levels in the blood, making OC less effective; increase OC dose or another method of birth control recommended.

Norvir (ritonavir)
May decrease ethinyl-estradiol levels in the blood, making OC less effective; increase OC dose or another method of birth control recommended.

Sustiva (efavirenz)
May increase ethinyl-estradiol levels in the blood.