Drug interactions
Ganciclovir + Mycophenolate
Severity: Moderate
Ganciclovir and Mycophenolate: 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
Ganciclovir and the glucuronide metabolite of mycophenolate (MPAG) compete for renal tubular secretion, and both drugs can cause myelosuppression. Concentrations of both may rise, especially in renal impairment, increasing the risk of neutropenia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ganciclovir and Mycophenolate 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.
Why it happens
Competition for renal tubular secretion plus additive myelosuppressive effects.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts frequently, especially neutrophils. Adjust the ganciclovir dose to renal function and reduce or interrupt either drug if significant cytopenia occurs.
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 Ganciclovir
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ganciclovir with Mycophenolate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ganciclovir and Mycophenolate 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. Ganciclovir and the glucuronide metabolite of mycophenolate (MPAG) compete for renal tubular secretion, and both drugs can cause myelosuppression. Concentrations of both may rise, especially in renal impairment, increasing the risk of neutropenia.
How serious is the interaction between Ganciclovir and Mycophenolate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor complete blood counts frequently, especially neutrophils. Adjust the ganciclovir dose to renal function and reduce or interrupt either drug if significant cytopenia occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ganciclovir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ganciclovir with, for example, Bacitracin, Cilastatin-imipenem, Didanosine. The full list is on the Ganciclovir page.
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