Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Doxorubicin
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Doxorubicin: 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
Cyclosporin can increase doxorubicin concentrations and prolong its exposure, raising the risk of myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity. Additive immunosuppression may also increase infection risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Doxorubicin 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.
Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous; Doxorubicin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Cyclosporin inhibits P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 and may reduce clearance of doxorubicin.
What to do
Monitor blood counts and cardiac function, and consider lowering the doxorubicin dose when the two are given together.
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 Cyclosporin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Aliskiren + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bosentan + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Dengue vaccine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Doxorubicin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Doxorubicin 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. Cyclosporin can increase doxorubicin concentrations and prolong its exposure, raising the risk of myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity. Additive immunosuppression may also increase infection risk.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Doxorubicin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood counts and cardiac function, and consider lowering the doxorubicin dose when the two are given together.
What other medicines interact with Cyclosporin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclosporin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Aliskiren, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cyclosporin page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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