Drug interactions
Exemestane + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Exemestane and Rifabutin: 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
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4 and may reduce exemestane exposure, possibly weakening estrogen suppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Exemestane and Rifabutin 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; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4, accelerating exemestane metabolism.
What to do
Consider increasing exemestane to 50 mg daily after a meal during co-therapy, and monitor clinical 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 Rifabutin
- Cabotegravir + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Rifabutin + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Rifabutin Major
- Axitinib + Rifabutin Major
- Brexpiprazole + Rifabutin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Exemestane with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Exemestane and Rifabutin 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. Rifabutin induces CYP3A4 and may reduce exemestane exposure, possibly weakening estrogen suppression.
How serious is the interaction between Exemestane and Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider increasing exemestane to 50 mg daily after a meal during co-therapy, and monitor clinical 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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