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Drug interactions

Efavirenz + Paclitaxel

Severity: Moderate

Efavirenz and Paclitaxel: 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

Efavirenz may increase paclitaxel clearance and reduce exposure, which could affect antitumor efficacy. Paclitaxel is cleared via CYP2C8 and CYP3A4.

What this interaction means in plain words

Efavirenz and Paclitaxel 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.

Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals; Paclitaxel belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and possibly CYP2C8, increasing paclitaxel metabolism.

What to do

Monitor tumor response and toxicity; consider an alternative antiretroviral without enzyme-inducing properties.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Efavirenz with Paclitaxel?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz and Paclitaxel 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. Efavirenz may increase paclitaxel clearance and reduce exposure, which could affect antitumor efficacy. Paclitaxel is cleared via CYP2C8 and CYP3A4.

How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Paclitaxel?

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 tumor response and toxicity; consider an alternative antiretroviral without enzyme-inducing properties.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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