Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Lumefantrine
Severity: Major
Efavirenz and Lumefantrine: 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
Efavirenz lowers lumefantrine exposure, which may cause treatment failure of artemether-lumefantrine in malaria.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Lumefantrine 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.
Why it happens
Efavirenz induces CYP3A4, increasing lumefantrine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if artemether-lumefantrine is needed, monitor closely for treatment failure and parasitological response and consider an alternative antimalarial.
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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Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Lumefantrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Efavirenz and Lumefantrine 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. Efavirenz lowers lumefantrine exposure, which may cause treatment failure of artemether-lumefantrine in malaria.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Lumefantrine?
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 if possible; if artemether-lumefantrine is needed, monitor closely for treatment failure and parasitological response and consider an alternative antimalarial.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.
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