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Drug interactions

Cisplatin + Zidovudine

Severity: Major

Cisplatin and Zidovudine: 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

Both agents can suppress the bone marrow, so the combination raises the risk of anemia and neutropenia. Cisplatin nephrotoxicity may also affect zidovudine clearance.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cisplatin and Zidovudine 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.

Cisplatin belongs to Oncology; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive bone marrow suppression.

What to do

Monitor full blood counts frequently and consider an alternative to zidovudine during chemotherapy. Reduce doses or provide growth factor support as needed.

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 Cisplatin with Zidovudine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cisplatin and Zidovudine 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 agents can suppress the bone marrow, so the combination raises the risk of anemia and neutropenia. Cisplatin nephrotoxicity may also affect zidovudine clearance.

How serious is the interaction between Cisplatin and Zidovudine?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor full blood counts frequently and consider an alternative to zidovudine during chemotherapy. Reduce doses or provide growth factor support as needed.

What other medicines interact with Zidovudine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Zidovudine with, for example, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Stavudine, Atidarsagene autotemcel. The full list is on the Zidovudine page.

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