Drug interactions
Gefitinib + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Moderate
Gefitinib and Oxcarbazepine: 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
Oxcarbazepine may reduce gefitinib exposure, which could compromise anti-tumor efficacy. Gefitinib labeling recommends a dose increase with strong CYP3A4 inducers, and oxcarbazepine is a weaker inducer.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gefitinib and Oxcarbazepine 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.
Gefitinib belongs to Oncology; Oxcarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by oxcarbazepine increases gefitinib clearance.
What to do
Monitor tumor response and tolerability, and consider an alternative antiepileptic that does not induce enzymes. If a dose increase is considered, return to the standard dose after the inducer is stopped.
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 Oxcarbazepine
- Cabotegravir + Oxcarbazepine Contraindicated
- Oxcarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Atazanavir + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Bictegravir + Oxcarbazepine Major
Other interactions of Gefitinib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gefitinib with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gefitinib and Oxcarbazepine 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. Oxcarbazepine may reduce gefitinib exposure, which could compromise anti-tumor efficacy. Gefitinib labeling recommends a dose increase with strong CYP3A4 inducers, and oxcarbazepine is a weaker inducer.
How serious is the interaction between Gefitinib and Oxcarbazepine?
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 tumor response and tolerability, and consider an alternative antiepileptic that does not induce enzymes. If a dose increase is considered, return to the standard dose after the inducer is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxcarbazepine with, for example, Cabotegravir, Rilpivirine, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Oxcarbazepine page.
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