Drug interactions
Erlotinib + Lopinavir
Severity: Major
Erlotinib and Lopinavir: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Lopinavir, boosted with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise erlotinib levels. This may increase erlotinib adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erlotinib and Lopinavir 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.
Erlotinib belongs to Oncology; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism of erlotinib by the ritonavir-boosted lopinavir regimen.
What to do
Avoid if an alternative antiretroviral is possible. If combined, monitor for toxicity and reduce the erlotinib dose in 50 mg steps as needed.
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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References
Other interactions of Erlotinib
- Amobarbital + Erlotinib Major
- Apalutamide + Erlotinib Major
- Carbamazepine + Erlotinib Major
- Cobicistat + Erlotinib Major
- Darunavir + Erlotinib Major
- Dexlansoprazole + Erlotinib Major
Other interactions of Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erlotinib with Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erlotinib and Lopinavir 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. Lopinavir, boosted with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise erlotinib levels. This may increase erlotinib adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Erlotinib and Lopinavir?
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 an alternative antiretroviral is possible. If combined, monitor for toxicity and reduce the erlotinib dose in 50 mg steps as needed.
What other medicines interact with Erlotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erlotinib with, for example, Amobarbital, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Erlotinib page.
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