Drug interactions
Bexarotene + Gemfibrozil
Severity: Major
Bexarotene and Gemfibrozil: 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
Gemfibrozil has been associated with markedly raised bexarotene plasma concentrations in a labeling-described observation. Higher bexarotene exposure may worsen its dose-related toxicities such as hypertriglyceridemia, hypothyroidism and pancreatitis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bexarotene and Gemfibrozil 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.
Bexarotene belongs to Oncology; Gemfibrozil belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Proposed inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated and possibly other metabolic clearance of bexarotene by gemfibrozil; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Avoid concomitant use; bexarotene labeling advises against it. If unavoidable, monitor lipids, triglycerides and pancreatitis symptoms closely.
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 Gemfibrozil
- Daprodustat + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Elagolix + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Metformin-repaglinide Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Repaglinide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Bexarotene
- Bexarotene + Lorlatinib Major
- Alogliptin-pioglitazone + Bexarotene Moderate
- Amobarbital + Bexarotene Moderate
- Aprepitant + Bexarotene Moderate
- Axitinib + Bexarotene Moderate
- Bexarotene + Bosentan Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bexarotene with Gemfibrozil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bexarotene and Gemfibrozil 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. Gemfibrozil has been associated with markedly raised bexarotene plasma concentrations in a labeling-described observation. Higher bexarotene exposure may worsen its dose-related toxicities such as hypertriglyceridemia, hypothyroidism and pancreatitis.
How serious is the interaction between Bexarotene and Gemfibrozil?
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; bexarotene labeling advises against it. If unavoidable, monitor lipids, triglycerides and pancreatitis symptoms closely.
What other medicines interact with Gemfibrozil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gemfibrozil with, for example, Daprodustat, Elagolix, Mavacamten. The full list is on the Gemfibrozil page.
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