Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Saquinavir
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Saquinavir: 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
Saquinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase cyclosporine concentrations. Cyclosporine may also raise saquinavir levels, so toxicity of either drug may increase.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Saquinavir 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated cyclosporine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function, and reduce the cyclosporine dose as needed when saquinavir is started.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Saquinavir 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. Saquinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase cyclosporine concentrations. Cyclosporine may also raise saquinavir levels, so toxicity of either drug may increase.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Saquinavir?
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 cyclosporine trough levels and renal function, and reduce the cyclosporine dose as needed when saquinavir is started.
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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