Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Lovastatin
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Lovastatin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Cyclosporine markedly raises lovastatin exposure and substantially increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury from rhabdomyolysis is a particular concern in transplant patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Lovastatin 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; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Cyclosporine inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism and OATP-mediated hepatic uptake of lovastatin.
What to do
Avoid lovastatin and switch to a statin less dependent on this interaction, using labeled dose limits. Monitor for muscle symptoms and check creatine kinase if they 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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References
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 Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Lovastatin 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. Cyclosporine markedly raises lovastatin exposure and substantially increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury from rhabdomyolysis is a particular concern in transplant patients.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid lovastatin and switch to a statin less dependent on this interaction, using labeled dose limits. Monitor for muscle symptoms and check creatine kinase if they occur.
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.
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