Drug interactions
Griseofulvin + Thalidomide
Severity: Major
Griseofulvin and Thalidomide: major 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
Griseofulvin induces hepatic enzymes and can lower hormonal contraceptive exposure, which matters because thalidomide is a potent teratogen requiring highly reliable contraception. The interaction is with the contraceptive rather than with thalidomide itself.
What this interaction means in plain words
Griseofulvin and Thalidomide 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.
Griseofulvin belongs to Anti Fungals; Thalidomide belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Enzyme induction by griseofulvin accelerates contraceptive hormone metabolism, reducing contraceptive efficacy.
What to do
In women of childbearing potential, do not rely on hormonal contraception alone during and for a period after griseofulvin; use an additional barrier method or a non-hormonal highly effective method such as an IUD.
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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Other interactions of Thalidomide
- Bortezomib + Thalidomide Major
- Carbamazepine + Thalidomide Major
- Modafinil + Thalidomide Major
- Nivolumab + Thalidomide Major
- Phenytoin + Thalidomide Major
- Rifabutin + Thalidomide Major
Other interactions of Griseofulvin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Griseofulvin with Thalidomide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Griseofulvin and Thalidomide 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. Griseofulvin induces hepatic enzymes and can lower hormonal contraceptive exposure, which matters because thalidomide is a potent teratogen requiring highly reliable contraception. The interaction is with the contraceptive rather than with thalidomide itself.
How serious is the interaction between Griseofulvin and Thalidomide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: In women of childbearing potential, do not rely on hormonal contraception alone during and for a period after griseofulvin; use an additional barrier method or a non-hormonal highly effective method such as an IUD.
What other medicines interact with Thalidomide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Thalidomide with, for example, Bortezomib, Carbamazepine, Modafinil. The full list is on the Thalidomide page.
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