Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Prednisone
Severity: Moderate
Efavirenz and Prednisone: 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 induces CYP3A4 and can lower exposure to prednisolone, the active metabolite of prednisone. Reduced steroid effect may occur, though the effect appears modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Prednisone 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; Prednisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Efavirenz induction of CYP3A4 increases clearance of prednisolone.
What to do
Monitor clinical response to prednisone and increase the dose if disease control is inadequate. Reassess dosing if efavirenz is stopped.
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 Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
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 Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz and Prednisone 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 induces CYP3A4 and can lower exposure to prednisolone, the active metabolite of prednisone. Reduced steroid effect may occur, though the effect appears modest.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Prednisone?
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 to prednisone and increase the dose if disease control is inadequate. Reassess dosing if efavirenz is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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