Drug interactions
Axitinib + Rifabutin
Severity: Major
Axitinib and Rifabutin: 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
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4 and may substantially lower axitinib concentrations, reducing efficacy. The effect is expected to be less than with rifampicin but is still clinically relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Axitinib and Rifabutin 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.
Axitinib belongs to Oncology; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4 and CYP1A1 pathways, increasing axitinib clearance.
What to do
Avoid concomitant use where possible and select an agent with no enzyme-inducing potential. If it is unavoidable, monitor response and consider a gradual axitinib dose increase.
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 Axitinib
- Amobarbital + Axitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Axitinib Major
- Atazanavir + Axitinib Major
- Axitinib + Carbamazepine Major
- Axitinib + Clarithromycin Major
- Axitinib + Cobicistat Major
Other interactions of Rifabutin
- Cabotegravir + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Rifabutin + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Rifabutin Major
- Brexpiprazole + Rifabutin Major
- Clarithromycin + Rifabutin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Axitinib with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Axitinib and Rifabutin 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. Rifabutin induces CYP3A4 and may substantially lower axitinib concentrations, reducing efficacy. The effect is expected to be less than with rifampicin but is still clinically relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Axitinib and Rifabutin?
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 concomitant use where possible and select an agent with no enzyme-inducing potential. If it is unavoidable, monitor response and consider a gradual axitinib dose increase.
What other medicines interact with Axitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Axitinib with, for example, Amobarbital, Apalutamide, Atazanavir. The full list is on the Axitinib page.
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