Drug interactions
Arsenic trioxide + Sorafenib
Severity: Major
Arsenic trioxide and Sorafenib: major interaction.
Last updated
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
Arsenic trioxide has a labeled risk of marked QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and sorafenib may add to this effect. The combination raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arsenic trioxide and Sorafenib 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.
Arsenic trioxide belongs to Oncology; Sorafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If it is unavoidable, check the ECG at baseline and regularly, and keep potassium above 4 mEq/L and magnesium above 1.8 mg/dL.
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?
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Other interactions of Sorafenib
Other interactions of Arsenic trioxide
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arsenic trioxide with Sorafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arsenic trioxide and Sorafenib 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. Arsenic trioxide has a labeled risk of marked QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and sorafenib may add to this effect. The combination raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Arsenic trioxide and Sorafenib?
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 where possible. If it is unavoidable, check the ECG at baseline and regularly, and keep potassium above 4 mEq/L and magnesium above 1.8 mg/dL.
What other medicines interact with Sorafenib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sorafenib with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Sorafenib page.
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