Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Vemurafenib
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Vemurafenib: 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
Vemurafenib causes concentration-dependent QT prolongation, and hydroxychloroquine has a similar effect. The combination increases the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Vemurafenib 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.
Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and electrolytes at baseline and regularly, and interrupt vemurafenib 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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Other interactions of Hydroxychloroquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Other interactions of Vemurafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Vemurafenib 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. Vemurafenib causes concentration-dependent QT prolongation, and hydroxychloroquine has a similar effect. The combination increases the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and electrolytes at baseline and regularly, and interrupt vemurafenib if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydroxychloroquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Cisapride, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Hydroxychloroquine page.
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