Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Lumacaftor / ivacaftor
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor: 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
Lumacaftor is itself a strong CYP3A inducer, and dexamethasone adds CYP3A induction, which may further lower ivacaftor exposure. This could reduce CFTR modulator effectiveness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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
Dexamethasone induces CYP3A, increasing ivacaftor clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and lung function during prolonged dexamethasone courses. Use the lowest effective corticosteroid dose and duration.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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. Lumacaftor is itself a strong CYP3A inducer, and dexamethasone adds CYP3A induction, which may further lower ivacaftor exposure. This could reduce CFTR modulator effectiveness.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?
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 clinical response and lung function during prolonged dexamethasone courses. Use the lowest effective corticosteroid dose and duration.
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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