Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Nelfinavir
Severity: Major
Atorvastatin and Nelfinavir: 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
Nelfinavir increases atorvastatin exposure, raising the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Nelfinavir 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; Nelfinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and possibly OATP1B1, reducing atorvastatin clearance.
What to do
Use the lowest effective atorvastatin dose and monitor for muscle symptoms and CK. Consider pravastatin or rosuvastatin.
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 Nelfinavir
- Alfuzosin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Nelfinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atorvastatin and Nelfinavir 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. Nelfinavir increases atorvastatin exposure, raising the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Nelfinavir?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective atorvastatin dose and monitor for muscle symptoms and CK. Consider pravastatin or rosuvastatin.
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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