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Drug interactions

Deflazacort + Mitotane

Severity: Major

Deflazacort and Mitotane: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: US FDA label

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

Mitotane is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and substantially lowers exposure to deflazacort's active metabolite. Corticosteroid efficacy may be lost.

What this interaction means in plain words

Deflazacort and Mitotane 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; Mitotane belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Mitotane induces CYP3A4, accelerating clearance of deflazacort's active metabolite.

What to do

Avoid combination. If unavoidable, monitor for loss of effect, as enzyme induction may persist for weeks after mitotane discontinuation.

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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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Deflazacort with Mitotane?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deflazacort and Mitotane 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. Mitotane is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and substantially lowers exposure to deflazacort's active metabolite. Corticosteroid efficacy may be lost.

How serious is the interaction between Deflazacort and Mitotane?

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. If unavoidable, monitor for loss of effect, as enzyme induction may persist for weeks after mitotane discontinuation.

What other medicines interact with Deflazacort?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Deflazacort with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal. The full list is on the Deflazacort page.

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