Drug interactions
Gemtuzumab + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Gemtuzumab and Lithium: 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
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin has been associated with QT prolongation and lithium can also affect cardiac repolarization. Patients in oncology care often have electrolyte disturbances and other QT-prolonging drugs that add to the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gemtuzumab and Lithium 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
Potential additive prolongation of the QT interval.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor electrolytes, correcting potassium and magnesium. Review other QT-prolonging drugs and consider an alternative to lithium if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gemtuzumab with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gemtuzumab and Lithium 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. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin has been associated with QT prolongation and lithium can also affect cardiac repolarization. Patients in oncology care often have electrolyte disturbances and other QT-prolonging drugs that add to the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Gemtuzumab and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor electrolytes, correcting potassium and magnesium. Review other QT-prolonging drugs and consider an alternative to lithium if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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