Drug interactions
Erlotinib + Tipranavir
Severity: Major
Erlotinib and Tipranavir: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Tipranavir, taken with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise erlotinib levels. This may increase erlotinib adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erlotinib and Tipranavir 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; Tipranavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by ritonavir-boosted tipranavir reduces erlotinib metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If used together, monitor for erlotinib toxicity and reduce the dose in 50 mg steps for severe reactions.
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
- Erlotinib 100 mg film-coated tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: protease inhibitors; "caution should be used when erlotinib is combined with a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, e.g. azole antifungals (i.e. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole), protea") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 Tipranavir
- Alfuzosin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Tipranavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erlotinib with Tipranavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erlotinib and Tipranavir 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. Tipranavir, taken with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise erlotinib levels. This may increase erlotinib adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Erlotinib and Tipranavir?
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 possible. If used together, monitor for erlotinib toxicity and reduce the dose in 50 mg steps for severe reactions.
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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