Drug interactions
Cyclosporine + Doxorubicin
Severity: Major
Cyclosporine 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
Cyclosporine inhibits P-gp and CYP3A4 and can raise doxorubicin exposure, with increased myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity. Prolonged neutropenia and severe toxicity have been reported with the combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporine 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.
Why it happens
Cyclosporine inhibits P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4, reducing doxorubicin clearance.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if combined, consider reducing the doxorubicin dose and monitor blood counts and cardiac function closely.
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 Doxorubicin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporine with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporine 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. Cyclosporine inhibits P-gp and CYP3A4 and can raise doxorubicin exposure, with increased myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity. Prolonged neutropenia and severe toxicity have been reported with the combination.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine 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: Avoid if possible; if combined, consider reducing the doxorubicin dose and monitor blood counts and cardiac function closely.
What other medicines interact with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Doxorubicin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Doxorubicin page.
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