Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Lonapegsomatropin
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Lonapegsomatropin: 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
Growth hormone inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, which reduces conversion of cortisone to active cortisol. In patients on glucocorticoid replacement, starting lonapegsomatropin may unmask hypoadrenalism or reduce glucocorticoid effect. Dexamethasone is not a substrate of this enzyme, so the effect is less pronounced, but growth-promoting effects may be blunted by glucocorticoids.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Lonapegsomatropin 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.
Dexamethasone belongs to Endocrine; Lonapegsomatropin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Growth hormone inhibits 11-beta-HSD1, altering cortisol activation, and glucocorticoids may antagonise the growth-promoting effect of somatropin.
What to do
Monitor adrenal function and clinical response when starting lonapegsomatropin in patients on glucocorticoids, and adjust the glucocorticoid dose as needed. Review growth response in children on long-term steroids.
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 Dexamethasone
- Bcg vaccine live + Dexamethasone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Varicella virus vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Yellow fever vaccine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Lonapegsomatropin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Lonapegsomatropin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Lonapegsomatropin 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. Growth hormone inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, which reduces conversion of cortisone to active cortisol. In patients on glucocorticoid replacement, starting lonapegsomatropin may unmask hypoadrenalism or reduce glucocorticoid effect. Dexamethasone is not a substrate of this enzyme, so the effect is less pronounced, but growth-promoting effects may be blunted by glucocorticoids.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Lonapegsomatropin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor adrenal function and clinical response when starting lonapegsomatropin in patients on glucocorticoids, and adjust the glucocorticoid dose as needed. Review growth response in children on long-term steroids.
What other medicines interact with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dexamethasone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Mifepristone, Rilpivirine. The full list is on the Dexamethasone page.
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