Drug interactions
Cyclosporine + Orlistat
Severity: Major
Cyclosporine 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 blood concentrations and has been associated with subtherapeutic levels in transplant recipients. This risks acute rejection if the drop goes unnoticed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporine 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.
Why it happens
Orlistat reduces dietary fat absorption and may impair absorption of the highly lipophilic cyclosporine from the gut.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, monitor cyclosporine trough levels closely and adjust the dose. 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 Orlistat
- Cyclosporin + Orlistat Major
- Orlistat + Triheptanoin Major
- Amiodarone + Orlistat Moderate
- Beta carotene + Orlistat Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Orlistat Moderate
- Cholecalciferol + Orlistat Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporine with Orlistat?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporine 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 blood concentrations and has been associated with subtherapeutic levels in transplant recipients. This risks acute rejection if the drop goes unnoticed.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine 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 the combination where possible; if used, monitor cyclosporine trough levels closely and adjust the dose. Give cyclosporine at least 3 hours apart from orlistat.
What other medicines interact with Orlistat?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Orlistat with, for example, Cyclosporin, Triheptanoin, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Orlistat page.
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