Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Pioglitazone
Severity: Minor
Efavirenz and Pioglitazone: minor 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 lower pioglitazone concentrations through enzyme induction, which could weaken glycemic control. The effect is probably small because pioglitazone is metabolized mainly by CYP2C8 with a smaller contribution from CYP3A4.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals; Pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 (and possibly CYP2C8), increasing pioglitazone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c after starting or stopping efavirenz. Increase the pioglitazone dose only if glycemic control worsens.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Other interactions of Pioglitazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Efavirenz and Pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Efavirenz may lower pioglitazone concentrations through enzyme induction, which could weaken glycemic control. The effect is probably small because pioglitazone is metabolized mainly by CYP2C8 with a smaller contribution from CYP3A4.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c after starting or stopping efavirenz. Increase the pioglitazone dose only if glycemic control worsens.
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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