Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Efavirenz
Severity: Moderate
Atorvastatin and Efavirenz: moderate 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
Efavirenz lowers atorvastatin exposure by inducing its CYP3A4 metabolism, which can lessen LDL cholesterol reduction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by efavirenz increases atorvastatin clearance.
What to do
Check the lipid profile after starting efavirenz and titrate atorvastatin to the lowest effective dose needed to reach the lipid target.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Atorvastatin
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Atorvastatin Major
- Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin Major
- Atorvastatin + Cobicistat Major
- Atorvastatin + Cyclosporin Major
- Atorvastatin + Danazol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atorvastatin and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Efavirenz lowers atorvastatin exposure by inducing its CYP3A4 metabolism, which can lessen LDL cholesterol reduction.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check the lipid profile after starting efavirenz and titrate atorvastatin to the lowest effective dose needed to reach the lipid target.
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.
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