Drug interactions
Ceritinib + Simvastatin
Severity: Major
Ceritinib and Simvastatin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 raises simvastatin exposure, which increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Simvastatin is highly sensitive to CYP3A4 inhibition.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceritinib and Simvastatin 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; Simvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated simvastatin metabolism by ceritinib.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible and switch to a statin less affected by CYP3A4, such as pravastatin or rosuvastatin. If unavoidable, reduce the simvastatin dose and monitor for muscle symptoms and CK.
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 Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Simvastatin 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 Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ceritinib and Simvastatin 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 raises simvastatin exposure, which increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Simvastatin is highly sensitive to CYP3A4 inhibition.
How serious is the interaction between Ceritinib and Simvastatin?
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 and switch to a statin less affected by CYP3A4, such as pravastatin or rosuvastatin. If unavoidable, reduce the simvastatin dose and monitor for muscle symptoms and CK.
What other medicines interact with Simvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Simvastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Simvastatin page.
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