Drug interactions
Cortisone + Tacrolimus
Severity: Moderate
Cortisone and Tacrolimus: 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
Corticosteroids can induce CYP3A4 and may lower tacrolimus concentrations, while tacrolimus may modestly affect steroid disposition through P-gp. The combination is common in transplant regimens, and tacrolimus levels can shift as steroid doses change.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cortisone and Tacrolimus 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.
Why it happens
Cortisone may weakly induce CYP3A4 and tacrolimus may inhibit P-gp, altering exposure of each drug.
What to do
Monitor tacrolimus trough levels when steroid doses are started, tapered or stopped, and adjust the tacrolimus dose accordingly.
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?
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Other interactions of Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cortisone with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cortisone and Tacrolimus 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. Corticosteroids can induce CYP3A4 and may lower tacrolimus concentrations, while tacrolimus may modestly affect steroid disposition through P-gp. The combination is common in transplant regimens, and tacrolimus levels can shift as steroid doses change.
How serious is the interaction between Cortisone and Tacrolimus?
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 tacrolimus trough levels when steroid doses are started, tapered or stopped, and adjust the tacrolimus dose accordingly.
What other medicines interact with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tacrolimus with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Cidofovir. The full list is on the Tacrolimus page.
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