Drug interactions
Exemestane + Primidone
Severity: Moderate
Exemestane and Primidone: 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
Primidone is metabolised to phenobarbital and acts as a CYP3A4 inducer, which may lower exemestane concentrations and weaken its effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Exemestane and Primidone 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.
Exemestane belongs to Oncology; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Primidone and its metabolite phenobarbital induce CYP3A4, increasing exemestane clearance.
What to do
Use exemestane 50 mg daily after a meal if the inducer cannot be avoided, and monitor treatment response.
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 Exemestane
Other interactions of Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Exemestane with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Exemestane and Primidone 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. Primidone is metabolised to phenobarbital and acts as a CYP3A4 inducer, which may lower exemestane concentrations and weaken its effect.
How serious is the interaction between Exemestane and Primidone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use exemestane 50 mg daily after a meal if the inducer cannot be avoided, and monitor treatment response.
What other medicines interact with Exemestane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Exemestane with, for example, Bazedoxifene-conjugated estrogens, Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol, Estradiol. The full list is on the Exemestane page.
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