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Drug interactions

Cyclosporine + Topotecan

Severity: Major

Cyclosporine and Topotecan: 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 both P-gp and BCRP, and co-administration has been shown to increase topotecan exposure, particularly oral topotecan. This may increase the risk of severe myelosuppression.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cyclosporine and Topotecan 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Cyclosporine inhibits P-gp and BCRP efflux transport of topotecan.

What to do

Avoid combination with oral topotecan. If IV topotecan is required, monitor blood counts frequently and reduce the dose as needed.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cyclosporine with Topotecan?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporine and Topotecan 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 both P-gp and BCRP, and co-administration has been shown to increase topotecan exposure, particularly oral topotecan. This may increase the risk of severe myelosuppression.

How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine and Topotecan?

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 combination with oral topotecan. If IV topotecan is required, monitor blood counts frequently and reduce the dose as needed.

What other medicines interact with Topotecan?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Topotecan with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Amiodarone, Cisplatin. The full list is on the Topotecan page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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