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Drug interactions

Budesonide + Lonafarnib

Severity: Major

Budesonide 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase budesonide levels. Higher exposure can cause systemic corticosteroid effects such as Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression.

What this interaction means in plain words

Budesonide 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.

Budesonide belongs to Respiratory; Lonafarnib belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Lonafarnib inhibits CYP3A4, reducing metabolism of budesonide.

What to do

Avoid coadministration where possible; otherwise use the lowest effective budesonide dose and monitor for signs of corticosteroid excess.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Budesonide with Lonafarnib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Budesonide 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase budesonide levels. Higher exposure can cause systemic corticosteroid effects such as Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression.

How serious is the interaction between Budesonide 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 coadministration where possible; otherwise use the lowest effective budesonide dose and monitor for signs of corticosteroid excess.

What other medicines interact with Budesonide?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Budesonide with, for example, Aldesleukin, Atazanavir, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Budesonide page.

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