Drug interactions
Cyclosporine + Testosterone
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporine and Testosterone: moderate 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
Androgens have been reported to raise cyclosporine concentrations, with a risk of nephrotoxicity and other cyclosporine toxicity. Reports are limited but the risk is relevant given cyclosporine's narrow therapeutic index.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporine and Testosterone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Androgens may inhibit CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of cyclosporine, though the mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Measure cyclosporine trough levels and serum creatinine when testosterone is started, stopped or changed. Reduce the cyclosporine dose as guided by levels.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Testosterone
- Testosterone + Warfarin Major
- Androstenedione + Testosterone Moderate
- Betamethasone + Testosterone Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Testosterone Moderate
- Corticotropin + Testosterone Moderate
- Cortisone + Testosterone Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporine with Testosterone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporine and Testosterone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Androgens have been reported to raise cyclosporine concentrations, with a risk of nephrotoxicity and other cyclosporine toxicity. Reports are limited but the risk is relevant given cyclosporine's narrow therapeutic index.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine and Testosterone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Measure cyclosporine trough levels and serum creatinine when testosterone is started, stopped or changed. Reduce the cyclosporine dose as guided by levels.
What other medicines interact with Testosterone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Testosterone with, for example, Warfarin, Androstenedione, Betamethasone. The full list is on the Testosterone page.
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