Drug interactions
Cobicistat + Eslicarbazepine
Severity: Major
Cobicistat and Eslicarbazepine: 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
Eslicarbazepine is a weak-to-moderate CYP3A4 inducer and may lower cobicistat concentrations. Because cobicistat boosts antiretroviral exposure, reduced levels can lead to subtherapeutic antiretroviral concentrations, loss of virologic control and possible resistance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cobicistat and Eslicarbazepine 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.
Cobicistat belongs to Miscellaneous; Eslicarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by eslicarbazepine increases cobicistat metabolism and lowers its boosting effect.
What to do
Prefer an anticonvulsant without enzyme-inducing activity or a different antiretroviral regimen. If used together, monitor HIV viral load closely.
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 Eslicarbazepine
- Eslicarbazepine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Eslicarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Avapritinib + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Bedaquiline + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Eslicarbazepine Major
Other interactions of Cobicistat
- Alfuzosin + Cobicistat Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Cobicistat Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Eplerenone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cobicistat with Eslicarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cobicistat and Eslicarbazepine 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. Eslicarbazepine is a weak-to-moderate CYP3A4 inducer and may lower cobicistat concentrations. Because cobicistat boosts antiretroviral exposure, reduced levels can lead to subtherapeutic antiretroviral concentrations, loss of virologic control and possible resistance.
How serious is the interaction between Cobicistat and Eslicarbazepine?
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 an anticonvulsant without enzyme-inducing activity or a different antiretroviral regimen. If used together, monitor HIV viral load closely.
What other medicines interact with Eslicarbazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Eslicarbazepine with, for example, Mavacamten, Rilpivirine, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Eslicarbazepine page.
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