Drug interactions
Cyclosporine + Etoposide
Severity: Major
Cyclosporine and Etoposide: 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 CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and can markedly raise etoposide exposure. This may cause more severe myelosuppression and mucositis, and cyclosporine's own immunosuppression adds to the risk of infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporine and Etoposide 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 P-gp efflux and CYP3A4 metabolism of etoposide by cyclosporine.
What to do
Reduce the etoposide dose when given with cyclosporine and monitor blood counts closely. Watch for infection and mucositis.
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 Etoposide
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Etoposide Contraindicated
- Etoposide + Pentostatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Etoposide Major
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Etoposide Major
- Etoposide + Fingolimod Major
- Etoposide + Fosphenytoin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporine with Etoposide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporine and Etoposide 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 CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and can markedly raise etoposide exposure. This may cause more severe myelosuppression and mucositis, and cyclosporine's own immunosuppression adds to the risk of infection.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine and Etoposide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the etoposide dose when given with cyclosporine and monitor blood counts closely. Watch for infection and mucositis.
What other medicines interact with Etoposide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etoposide with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Pentostatin, Cyclosporin. The full list is on the Etoposide page.
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