Drug interactions
Deflazacort + Eslicarbazepine
Severity: Major
Deflazacort and Eslicarbazepine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Eslicarbazepine may reduce exposure to deflazacort's active metabolite, potentially causing loss of therapeutic effect. Labeling advises avoiding moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers with deflazacort.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deflazacort and Eslicarbazepine 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.
Deflazacort belongs to Miscellaneous; Eslicarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by eslicarbazepine increases clearance of deflazacort's active metabolite 21-desDFZ.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use a non-inducing antiseizure drug. If unavoidable, monitor for reduced corticosteroid effect and adjust the dose per labeling.
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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References
- Eslicarbazepine Amarox 200 mg tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: medicinal products that are mainly eliminated by metabolism through CYP3A4; "In vivo eslicarbazepine showed an inducing effect on the metabolism of medicinal products that are mainly eliminated by metabolism through CYP… — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Eslicarbazepine
- Eslicarbazepine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Eslicarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Avapritinib + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Bedaquiline + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Eslicarbazepine Major
Other interactions of Deflazacort
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Deflazacort with Eslicarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deflazacort and Eslicarbazepine 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. Eslicarbazepine may reduce exposure to deflazacort's active metabolite, potentially causing loss of therapeutic effect. Labeling advises avoiding moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers with deflazacort.
How serious is the interaction between Deflazacort and Eslicarbazepine?
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 and use a non-inducing antiseizure drug. If unavoidable, monitor for reduced corticosteroid effect and adjust the dose per labeling.
What other medicines interact with Eslicarbazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Eslicarbazepine with, for example, Mavacamten, Rilpivirine, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Eslicarbazepine page.
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