Drug interactions
Brentuximab vedotin + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Brentuximab vedotin and Clarithromycin: 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
Strong CYP3A4 inhibition by clarithromycin can increase exposure to free MMAE, the cytotoxic component released from brentuximab vedotin. This may increase the risk of neutropenia and other toxicities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brentuximab vedotin and Clarithromycin 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.
Brentuximab vedotin belongs to Oncology; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, the main enzyme metabolizing MMAE released from the antibody-drug conjugate.
What to do
Monitor closely for neutropenia and other adverse reactions. Consider an alternative antibiotic that does not inhibit CYP3A4.
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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Brentuximab vedotin
- Bleomycin + Brentuximab vedotin Contraindicated
- Brentuximab vedotin + Siponimod Major
- Apalutamide + Brentuximab vedotin Moderate
- Brentuximab vedotin + Imatinib Moderate
- Brentuximab vedotin + Isoniazid Moderate
- Brentuximab vedotin + Itraconazole Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brentuximab vedotin with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Brentuximab vedotin and Clarithromycin 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. Strong CYP3A4 inhibition by clarithromycin can increase exposure to free MMAE, the cytotoxic component released from brentuximab vedotin. This may increase the risk of neutropenia and other toxicities.
How serious is the interaction between Brentuximab vedotin and Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor closely for neutropenia and other adverse reactions. Consider an alternative antibiotic that does not inhibit CYP3A4.
What other medicines interact with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clarithromycin with, for example, Astemizole, Avanafil, Cisapride. The full list is on the Clarithromycin page.
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