Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Roflumilast
Severity: Major
Efavirenz and Roflumilast: 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 induces CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 and may lower roflumilast and active metabolite exposure. This can reduce the therapeutic benefit in COPD, and labeling advises against coadministration with strong CYP inducers.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Roflumilast 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 belongs to Anti Virals; Roflumilast belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and other CYP enzymes, accelerating roflumilast metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if unavoidable, monitor COPD control and exacerbation frequency and consider alternative therapy.
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 Roflumilast
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 Roflumilast?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Efavirenz and Roflumilast 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 induces CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 and may lower roflumilast and active metabolite exposure. This can reduce the therapeutic benefit in COPD, and labeling advises against coadministration with strong CYP inducers.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Roflumilast?
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 the combination where possible; if unavoidable, monitor COPD control and exacerbation frequency and consider alternative therapy.
What other medicines interact with Roflumilast?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Roflumilast with, for example, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine, Enzalutamide. The full list is on the Roflumilast page.
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