Drug interactions
Ceritinib + Lovastatin
Severity: Major
Ceritinib and Lovastatin: 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
Ceritinib inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise lovastatin levels, increasing the possibility of muscle toxicity. The inhibition is moderate to strong, so the effect on lovastatin may be clinically important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceritinib and Lovastatin 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; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by ceritinib decreases lovastatin metabolism.
What to do
Prefer to hold lovastatin or switch to a non-CYP3A4 statin such as pravastatin or rosuvastatin during ceritinib therapy. If continued, monitor for myopathy and check CK with symptoms.
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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References
Other interactions of Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ceritinib
- Ceritinib + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ceritinib with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ceritinib and Lovastatin 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise lovastatin levels, increasing the possibility of muscle toxicity. The inhibition is moderate to strong, so the effect on lovastatin may be clinically important.
How serious is the interaction between Ceritinib and Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer to hold lovastatin or switch to a non-CYP3A4 statin such as pravastatin or rosuvastatin during ceritinib therapy. If continued, monitor for myopathy and check CK with symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Lovastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lovastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Lovastatin page.
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