Drug interactions
Ipilimumab + Vemurafenib
Severity: Major
Ipilimumab 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
Giving vemurafenib together with ipilimumab in melanoma trials produced frequent and substantial liver toxicity, with marked rises in transaminases and bilirubin. The combination was not considered tolerable at the doses studied.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ipilimumab 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.
Ipilimumab belongs to Oncology; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Overlapping hepatotoxicity, possibly with immune-mediated injury; the exact mechanism is not established.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use outside of a protocol. If used, monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin closely and stop therapy for significant hepatic toxicity.
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 Ipilimumab
Other interactions of Vemurafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ipilimumab with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ipilimumab 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. Giving vemurafenib together with ipilimumab in melanoma trials produced frequent and substantial liver toxicity, with marked rises in transaminases and bilirubin. The combination was not considered tolerable at the doses studied.
How serious is the interaction between Ipilimumab 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 concurrent use outside of a protocol. If used, monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin closely and stop therapy for significant hepatic toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Ipilimumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ipilimumab with, for example, Etrasimod, Ciltacabtagene autoleucel, Efgartigimod / hyaluronidase sc. The full list is on the Ipilimumab page.
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