Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Leuprolide
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Leuprolide: 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
Androgen deprivation with leuprolide can prolong the QT interval, and artemether/lumefantrine also prolongs repolarization. Combined use raises the risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Leuprolide 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through androgen deprivation effects (leuprolide) and delayed cardiac repolarization (lumefantrine).
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment. Monitor the QTc during therapy, or consider an alternative antimalarial if the QTc is already prolonged.
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 Leuprolide
- Leuprolide + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Leuprolide + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Leuprolide Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Leuprolide Major
- Disopyramide + Leuprolide Major
- Dofetilide + Leuprolide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Leuprolide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine and Leuprolide 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. Androgen deprivation with leuprolide can prolong the QT interval, and artemether/lumefantrine also prolongs repolarization. Combined use raises the risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Leuprolide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment. Monitor the QTc during therapy, or consider an alternative antimalarial if the QTc is already prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Leuprolide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Leuprolide with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Leuprolide page.
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