Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Orlistat
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Orlistat: 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
Orlistat can lower cyclosporine absorption and cause subtherapeutic levels, with reported risk of transplant rejection. The effect is unpredictable between patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Orlistat 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; Orlistat belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Orlistat reduces gastrointestinal fat absorption, impairing absorption of lipophilic cyclosporine.
What to do
Avoid coadministration if possible. If used, monitor cyclosporine trough concentrations closely and adjust dose, and give cyclosporine at least 3 hours apart from orlistat.
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 Orlistat
- Cyclosporine + Orlistat Major
- Orlistat + Triheptanoin Major
- Amiodarone + Orlistat Moderate
- Beta carotene + Orlistat Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Orlistat Moderate
- Cholecalciferol + Orlistat Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Orlistat?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Orlistat 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. Orlistat can lower cyclosporine absorption and cause subtherapeutic levels, with reported risk of transplant rejection. The effect is unpredictable between patients.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Orlistat?
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 coadministration if possible. If used, monitor cyclosporine trough concentrations closely and adjust dose, and give cyclosporine at least 3 hours apart from orlistat.
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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