Drug interactions
Apremilast + Efavirenz
Severity: Major
Apremilast and Efavirenz: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and can markedly reduce apremilast exposure, risking loss of efficacy. Labeling advises against use with strong CYP3A4 inducers.
What this interaction means in plain words
Apremilast and Efavirenz can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Apremilast belongs to Miscellaneous; Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by efavirenz increases apremilast metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination and consider an alternative antiretroviral or psoriasis therapy. If used together, monitor for loss of response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Apremilast and Efavirenz, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Apremilast
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Apremilast with Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Apremilast and Efavirenz can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and can markedly reduce apremilast exposure, risking loss of efficacy. Labeling advises against use with strong CYP3A4 inducers.
How serious is the interaction between Apremilast and Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and consider an alternative antiretroviral or psoriasis therapy. If used together, monitor for loss of response.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
