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Drug interactions

Ceritinib + Foscarnet

Severity: Major

Ceritinib and Foscarnet: 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

Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so giving them together may produce additive effects on cardiac repolarization. This raises the risk of torsade de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. Foscarnet-related electrolyte disturbances such as low calcium, magnesium or potassium further increase this risk.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ceritinib and Foscarnet 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.

Ceritinib belongs to Oncology; Foscarnet belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation, with foscarnet-induced electrolyte disturbances adding to the risk.

What to do

Avoid the combination where an alternative is available. If both are needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium, magnesium and calcium, and repeat ECG and electrolyte checks during treatment.

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 Ceritinib with Foscarnet?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ceritinib and Foscarnet 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so giving them together may produce additive effects on cardiac repolarization. This raises the risk of torsade de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. Foscarnet-related electrolyte disturbances such as low calcium, magnesium or potassium further increase this risk.

How serious is the interaction between Ceritinib and Foscarnet?

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 where an alternative is available. If both are needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium, magnesium and calcium, and repeat ECG and electrolyte checks during treatment.

What other medicines interact with Foscarnet?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Foscarnet with, for example, Cidofovir, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Foscarnet page.

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