Drug
Norgestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol
Common brand names:
Cryselle, Lo-Ovral, Low-OgestrelSummary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
Negative Interactions
2- Potential Negative Interaction
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
St. John’s Wort
Eight cases reported to the Medical Products Agency of Sweden suggest that St. John’s wort may interact with oral contraceptives and cause intramenstrual bleeding and/or changes in menstrual bleeding. One reviewer has suggested that St. John’s wort may reduce serum levels of estradiol. It should be noted, however, that only three of the eight Swedish women returned to normal menstrual cycles after stopping St. John’s wort. Women taking oral contraceptives for birth control should consult with their doctor before taking St. John’s wort.
St. John’s WortEthinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Safety of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) [letters to the editor from various authors]. Lancet 2000;355:575-7.
- Ernst E. Second thoughts about safety of St. John's wort. Lancet 1999;354:2014-6 [letter].
- Potential Negative Interaction
Ethinyl Estradiol
Zinc
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
In a group of 37 postmenopausal women treated with conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone for 12 months, urinary zinc and magnesium loss was reduced in those women who began the study with signs of osteoporosis and elevated zinc and magnesium excretion. The clinical significance of this interaction remains unclear.
ZincEthinyl Estradiol- Herzberg M, Lusky A, Blonder J, Frenkel. The effect of estrogen replacement therapy on zinc in serum and urine. Obstet Gynecol 1996;87:1035-40.
Supportive Interactions
21- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Folic Acid
Oral contraceptive use can cause folic acid depletion.
Folic AcidEthinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Lindenbaum J, Whitehead N, Reyner F. Oral contraceptive hormones, folate metabolism, and the cervical epithelium. Am J Clin Nutr 1975;28:346-53.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Norgestrel
Magnesium
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
Women using oral contraceptives were found to have significantly lower serum magnesium levels in a controlled study. In a preliminary study, blood levels of magnesium decreased in women taking an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Although the importance of this interaction remains somewhat unclear, supplementation with 250 to 350 mg of magnesium per day is a safe and reasonable supplemental level for most adults.
MagnesiumNorgestrel- Olatunbosum DA, Adeniyi FA, Adadevoh BK. Effect of oral contraceptives on serum magnesium levels. Int J Fertil 1974;19:224-6.
- Blum M, Kitai E, Ariel Y, et al. Oral contraceptive lowers serum magnesium. Harefuah 1991;121:363-4 [in Hebrew].
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Magnesium
Women using oral contraceptives were found to have significantly lower serum magnesium levels in a controlled study. In a preliminary study, blood levels of magnesium decreased in women taking an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Although the importance of this interaction remains somewhat unclear, supplementation with 250–350 mg of magnesium per day is a safe and reasonable supplemental level for most adults.
MagnesiumEthinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Olatunbosum DA, Adeniyi FA, Adadevoh BK. Effect of oral contraceptives on serum magnesium levels. Int J Fertil 1974;19:224-6.
- Blum M, Kitai E, Ariel Y, et al. Oral contraceptive lowers serum magnesium. Harefuah 1991;121:363-4 [in Hebrew].
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Norgestrel
Manganese
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
ManganeseNorgestrel- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Manganese
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
ManganeseEthinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Vitamin B1
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin B1Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Vitamin B12
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin B12Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Norgestrel
Vitamin B12
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin B12Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Vitamin B2
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin B2Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Norgestrel
Vitamin B2
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin B2Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Vitamin B6
Laboratory evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency is common in women taking oral contraceptives.Vitamin B6Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Adams PW, Folkard J, Wynn V, Seed M. Influence of oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and tryptophan on carbohydrate metabolism. Lancet 1976;1:759-64.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Norgestrel
Vitamin B6
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
Laboratory evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency is common in women taking oral contraceptives.Vitamin B6Norgestrel- Adams PW, Folkard J, Wynn V, Seed M. Influence of oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and tryptophan on carbohydrate metabolism. Lancet 1976;1:759-64.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Norgestrel
Vitamin C
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin CNorgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Vitamin C
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin CEthinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Zinc
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
ZincEthinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Support Medicine
Norgestrel
Calcium
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
CalciumNorgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Support Medicine
Norgestrel
Copper
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
CopperNorgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Reduce Side Effects
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Folic Acid
In a double-blind trial of oral contraceptive users with cervical dysplasia, supplementation with very large amounts (10 mg per day) of folic acid improved cervical health. Women with cervical dysplasia diagnosed while they are taking oral contraceptives should consult a doctor. Mega-folate supplementation should not be attempted without a doctor’s supervision, nor is there any reason to believe that folic acid supplementation would help people with cervical cancer.
Folic AcidEthinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Butterworth CE Jr, Hatch KD, Gore H, et al. Improvement in cervical dysplasia associated with folic acid therapy in users of oral contraceptives. Am J Clin Nutr 1982;35:73-82.
- Reduce Side Effects
Norgestrel
Vitamin B6
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
In a double-blind trial, supplementation with 20 mg of vitamin B6 twice a day for 2 months improved depression in women taking oral contraceptives who had laboratory evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency. However, vitamin B6 did not relieve depression in women who did not have vitamin B6 deficiency.Vitamin B6Norgestrel- Adams PW, Wynn V, Rose DP, et al. Effect of pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) upon depression associated with oral contraception. Lancet 1973;I:897-904.
- Adams PW, Wynn V, Seed M, Folkard J. Vitamin B6, depression, and oral contraception. Lancet 1974;2:516-7.
- Reduce Side Effects
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Vitamin B6
In a double-blind trial, supplementation with 20 mg of vitamin B6 twice a day for 2 months improved depression in women taking oral contraceptives who had laboratory evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency. However, vitamin B6 did not relieve depression in women who did not have vitamin B6 deficiency.Vitamin B6Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Adams PW, Wynn V, Rose DP, et al. Effect of pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) upon depression associated with oral contraception. Lancet 1973;I:897-904.
- Adams PW, Wynn V, Seed M, Folkard J. Vitamin B6, depression, and oral contraception. Lancet 1974;2:516-7.
Explanation Required
4- Needs Explanation
Norgestrel
Iron
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
Menstrual blood loss is typically reduced with use of oral contraceptives. This can lead to increased iron stores and, presumably, a decreased need for iron in premenopausal women. Premenopausal women taking oral contraceptives should have their iron levels monitored and talk with their prescribing doctor before using iron-containing supplements.
IronNorgestrel- Frassinelli-Gunderson EP, Margen S, Brown JR. Iron stores in users of oral contraceptive agents. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;41(4):703.
- Needs Explanation
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Iron
Menstrual blood loss is typically reduced with use of oral contraceptives. This can lead to increased iron stores and, presumably, a decreased need for iron in premenopausal women. Premenopausal women taking oral contraceptives should have their iron levels monitored and talk with their prescribing doctor before using iron-containing supplements.
IronEthinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Frassinelli-Gunderson EP, Margen S, Brown JR. Iron stores in users of oral contraceptive agents. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;41(4):703.
- Needs Explanation
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
Vitamin A
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin AEthinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Needs Explanation
Norgestrel
Vitamin A
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Vitamin ANorgestrel- Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
- Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
- Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
- Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.