Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Olaparib
Severity: Major
Carbamazepine and Olaparib: 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
Carbamazepine can substantially reduce olaparib exposure and may compromise anticancer efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Olaparib 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.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Olaparib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and increases the metabolism of olaparib, a CYP3A substrate.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose a non-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam. If unavoidable, consult the olaparib labeling for dosing and monitor response.
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 Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Olaparib
- Amiodarone + Olaparib Major
- Amobarbital + Olaparib Major
- Apalutamide + Olaparib Major
- Aprepitant + Olaparib Major
- Azathioprine + Olaparib Major
- Carboplatin + Olaparib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Olaparib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbamazepine and Olaparib 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. Carbamazepine can substantially reduce olaparib exposure and may compromise anticancer efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Olaparib?
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 and choose a non-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam. If unavoidable, consult the olaparib labeling for dosing and monitor response.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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