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Drug interactions

Colchicine + Lumacaftor / ivacaftor

Severity: Moderate

Colchicine and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor: moderate 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

Lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer and may lower colchicine concentrations, causing loss of effect. Lumacaftor/ivacaftor may also affect P-gp, so the net effect is variable.

What this interaction means in plain words

Colchicine and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

CYP3A induction by lumacaftor increases colchicine metabolism.

What to do

Monitor for reduced colchicine efficacy and adjust the dose to clinical response. Watch for toxicity if lumacaftor/ivacaftor is stopped.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

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 Colchicine with Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Colchicine and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer and may lower colchicine concentrations, causing loss of effect. Lumacaftor/ivacaftor may also affect P-gp, so the net effect is variable.

How serious is the interaction between Colchicine and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for reduced colchicine efficacy and adjust the dose to clinical response. Watch for toxicity if lumacaftor/ivacaftor is stopped.

What other medicines interact with Colchicine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Colchicine with, for example, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Colchicine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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