Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Melphalan
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporin and Melphalan: moderate 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
Combined use increases the risk of nephrotoxicity and additive immunosuppression with infection and myelosuppression. Impaired renal function from cyclosporine may also delay melphalan elimination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Melphalan 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.
Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous; Melphalan belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity and immunosuppression, with reduced renal clearance of melphalan.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine, blood counts and cyclosporine levels closely. Adjust the melphalan dose for renal function and screen for infection.
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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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 Melphalan
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Melphalan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Melphalan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporin and Melphalan 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. Combined use increases the risk of nephrotoxicity and additive immunosuppression with infection and myelosuppression. Impaired renal function from cyclosporine may also delay melphalan elimination.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Melphalan?
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 serum creatinine, blood counts and cyclosporine levels closely. Adjust the melphalan dose for renal function and screen for infection.
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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