Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Lonafarnib
Severity: Major
Atorvastatin and Lonafarnib: 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
Lonafarnib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and atorvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate. Higher atorvastatin exposure increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, and lonafarnib labeling advises against the combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Lonafarnib 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.
Atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Lonafarnib belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated atorvastatin metabolism raises atorvastatin plasma levels.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; consider a statin less dependent on CYP3A4 such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. If used, give the lowest atorvastatin dose and monitor for muscle symptoms and CK.
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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References
Other interactions of Atorvastatin
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Atorvastatin Major
- Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin Major
- Atorvastatin + Cobicistat Major
- Atorvastatin + Cyclosporin Major
- Atorvastatin + Danazol Major
Other interactions of Lonafarnib
- Alfuzosin + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Bosentan + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Lonafarnib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atorvastatin and Lonafarnib 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. Lonafarnib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and atorvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate. Higher atorvastatin exposure increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, and lonafarnib labeling advises against the combination.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Lonafarnib?
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; consider a statin less dependent on CYP3A4 such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. If used, give the lowest atorvastatin dose and monitor for muscle symptoms and CK.
What other medicines interact with Atorvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atorvastatin with, for example, Tipranavir, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Atorvastatin page.
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