Drug interactions
Cyclosporine + Pravastatin
Severity: Major
Cyclosporine and Pravastatin: 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 markedly increases pravastatin exposure, which raises the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Labeling restricts the pravastatin dose in patients taking cyclosporine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporine and Pravastatin 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 OATP1B1-mediated hepatic uptake of pravastatin, raising systemic concentrations.
What to do
Start pravastatin at 10 mg daily and do not exceed 20 mg daily with cyclosporine. Monitor for muscle symptoms and CK.
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 Pravastatin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporine with Pravastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporine and Pravastatin 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 markedly increases pravastatin exposure, which raises the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Labeling restricts the pravastatin dose in patients taking cyclosporine.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine and Pravastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start pravastatin at 10 mg daily and do not exceed 20 mg daily with cyclosporine. Monitor for muscle symptoms and CK.
What other medicines interact with Pravastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pravastatin with, for example, Cyclosporin, Gemfibrozil, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Pravastatin page.
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