Drug interactions
Cyclophosphamide + Idarubicin
Severity: Major
Cyclophosphamide and Idarubicin: 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
Both drugs are cardiotoxic, and giving them together may increase the risk of cardiomyopathy and heart failure beyond that of idarubicin alone. Additive myelosuppression is also expected.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclophosphamide and Idarubicin 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.
Cyclophosphamide belongs to Oncology; Idarubicin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive cardiotoxicity, possibly via increased formation of toxic anthracycline metabolites in myocardium, plus additive myelosuppression.
What to do
Assess left ventricular function before and during treatment, and keep cumulative anthracycline dose within recommended limits. Monitor blood counts and consider cardioprotective measures in high-risk patients.
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 Cyclophosphamide
Other interactions of Idarubicin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Idarubicin Contraindicated
- Belatacept + Idarubicin Major
- Deferiprone + Idarubicin Major
- Dengue vaccine + Idarubicin Major
- Etrasimod + Idarubicin Major
- Fingolimod + Idarubicin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclophosphamide with Idarubicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclophosphamide and Idarubicin 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. Both drugs are cardiotoxic, and giving them together may increase the risk of cardiomyopathy and heart failure beyond that of idarubicin alone. Additive myelosuppression is also expected.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclophosphamide and Idarubicin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Assess left ventricular function before and during treatment, and keep cumulative anthracycline dose within recommended limits. Monitor blood counts and consider cardioprotective measures in high-risk patients.
What other medicines interact with Cyclophosphamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclophosphamide with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Bendamustine. The full list is on the Cyclophosphamide page.
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