Drug interactions
Irinotecan + Lumacaftor / ivacaftor
Severity: Moderate
Irinotecan and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor: 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
Lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer and may lower exposure to irinotecan and SN-38, potentially reducing efficacy, although CYP3A induction also increases formation of inactive metabolites. The legacy CYP2B6 rationale is not a principal irinotecan pathway. Clinical data are absent.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irinotecan and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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
Lumacaftor induces CYP3A4 (and UGT), possibly increasing irinotecan clearance.
What to do
Monitor treatment response and toxicity, and consider whether lumacaftor/ivacaftor can be paused during chemotherapy.
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 Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Irinotecan with Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Irinotecan and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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. Lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer and may lower exposure to irinotecan and SN-38, potentially reducing efficacy, although CYP3A induction also increases formation of inactive metabolites. The legacy CYP2B6 rationale is not a principal irinotecan pathway. Clinical data are absent.
How serious is the interaction between Irinotecan and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor treatment response and toxicity, and consider whether lumacaftor/ivacaftor can be paused during chemotherapy.
What other medicines interact with Irinotecan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Irinotecan with, for example, Clozapine, Sacituzumab govitecan, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live. The full list is on the Irinotecan page.
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