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Drug interactions

Cabozantinib + Itraconazole

Severity: Major

Cabozantinib and Itraconazole: 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

Itraconazole increases cabozantinib exposure, which may worsen diarrhea, hypertension, hand-foot syndrome, hemorrhage and hepatotoxicity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cabozantinib and Itraconazole 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.

Cabozantinib belongs to Oncology; Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Itraconazole strongly inhibits CYP3A4, which metabolizes cabozantinib.

What to do

Avoid the combination if possible. If a strong inhibitor is required, reduce the cabozantinib dose per labeling and resume the earlier dose 2-3 days after stopping itraconazole.

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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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cabozantinib with Itraconazole?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cabozantinib and Itraconazole 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. Itraconazole increases cabozantinib exposure, which may worsen diarrhea, hypertension, hand-foot syndrome, hemorrhage and hepatotoxicity.

How serious is the interaction between Cabozantinib and Itraconazole?

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 the combination if possible. If a strong inhibitor is required, reduce the cabozantinib dose per labeling and resume the earlier dose 2-3 days after stopping itraconazole.

What other medicines interact with Itraconazole?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Itraconazole with, for example, Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil. The full list is on the Itraconazole page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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