Drug interactions
Goserelin + Saquinavir
Severity: Major
Goserelin and Saquinavir: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Saquinavir boosted with ritonavir causes dose-related QT and PR prolongation, and goserelin-induced androgen deprivation may add to QT lengthening. The combination can increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Goserelin and Saquinavir can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation; saquinavir directly affects cardiac repolarization while androgen deprivation lengthens the QT interval.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor it during co-therapy, correcting potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antiretroviral if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Goserelin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Goserelin with Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Goserelin and Saquinavir can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Saquinavir boosted with ritonavir causes dose-related QT and PR prolongation, and goserelin-induced androgen deprivation may add to QT lengthening. The combination can increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
How serious is the interaction between Goserelin and Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates it major, 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 it during co-therapy, correcting potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antiretroviral if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Goserelin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Goserelin with, for example, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Goserelin page.
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