Drug interactions
Crizotinib + Simvastatin
Severity: Major
Crizotinib and Simvastatin: 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
Crizotinib is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise simvastatin plasma concentrations. Higher simvastatin exposure increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Crizotinib and Simvastatin 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.
Crizotinib belongs to Oncology; Simvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Crizotinib inhibits CYP3A4, reducing the first-pass and hepatic metabolism of simvastatin.
What to do
Use a lower simvastatin dose or switch to a statin less dependent on CYP3A4, such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. Counsel the patient to report muscle pain and monitor creatine kinase if symptoms occur.
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 Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Crizotinib
- Crizotinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Crizotinib with Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Crizotinib and Simvastatin 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. Crizotinib is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise simvastatin plasma concentrations. Higher simvastatin exposure increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
How serious is the interaction between Crizotinib and Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a lower simvastatin dose or switch to a statin less dependent on CYP3A4, such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. Counsel the patient to report muscle pain and monitor creatine kinase if symptoms occur.
What other medicines interact with Simvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Simvastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Simvastatin page.
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