Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Polatuzumab vedotin
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Polatuzumab vedotin: 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
The cytotoxic payload MMAE released from polatuzumab vedotin is metabolized by CYP3A4. A strong inhibitor such as clarithromycin can raise unconjugated MMAE exposure and increase toxicity such as neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Polatuzumab vedotin 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.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Polatuzumab vedotin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4-mediated clearance of MMAE.
What to do
Prefer a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor closely for neutropenia, infection and neuropathy.
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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Polatuzumab vedotin
- Amobarbital + Polatuzumab vedotin Moderate
- Apalutamide + Polatuzumab vedotin Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Polatuzumab vedotin Moderate
- Chloramphenicol + Polatuzumab vedotin Moderate
- Enzalutamide + Polatuzumab vedotin Moderate
- Isoniazid + Polatuzumab vedotin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Polatuzumab vedotin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Polatuzumab vedotin 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. The cytotoxic payload MMAE released from polatuzumab vedotin is metabolized by CYP3A4. A strong inhibitor such as clarithromycin can raise unconjugated MMAE exposure and increase toxicity such as neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Polatuzumab vedotin?
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 a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor closely for neutropenia, infection and neuropathy.
What other medicines interact with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clarithromycin with, for example, Astemizole, Avanafil, Cisapride. The full list is on the Clarithromycin page.
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