Drug interactions
Atazanavir + Sunitinib
Severity: Major
Atazanavir and Sunitinib: 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
Atazanavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise sunitinib concentrations substantially. Higher sunitinib exposure may increase toxicities such as hypertension, myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity and QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atazanavir and Sunitinib 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.
Atazanavir belongs to Anti Virals; Sunitinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Atazanavir inhibits CYP3A4, the main enzyme metabolizing sunitinib and its active metabolite.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antiretroviral without strong CYP3A4 inhibition. If it must be used, consider reducing the sunitinib dose per labeling and monitor for toxicity, including ECG and liver tests.
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 Atazanavir and Sunitinib, 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 Sunitinib
- Adagrasib + Sunitinib Major
- Amiodarone + Sunitinib Major
- Amisulpride + Sunitinib Major
- Anagrelide + Sunitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Sunitinib Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Sunitinib Major
Other interactions of Atazanavir
- Alfuzosin + Atazanavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Avanafil Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eplerenone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atazanavir with Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atazanavir and Sunitinib 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. Atazanavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise sunitinib concentrations substantially. Higher sunitinib exposure may increase toxicities such as hypertension, myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity and QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an alternative antiretroviral without strong CYP3A4 inhibition. If it must be used, consider reducing the sunitinib dose per labeling and monitor for toxicity, including ECG and liver tests.
What other medicines interact with Sunitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sunitinib with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Sunitinib 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.
