Drug interactions
Irinotecan + Netupitant / palonosetron
Severity: Minor
Irinotecan and Netupitant / palonosetron: minor 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
Netupitant is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and can alter exposure to CYP3A4 substrates such as irinotecan. This combination is common in chemotherapy antiemetic regimens, and the net effect on irinotecan is uncertain because CYP3A4 both inactivates and modifies it. Clinically significant toxicity has not been well documented.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irinotecan and Netupitant / palonosetron have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Netupitant inhibits CYP3A4, potentially changing irinotecan oxidative clearance.
What to do
Monitor for diarrhea and neutropenia, and adjust the irinotecan dose only if toxicity emerges.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Netupitant / palonosetron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Irinotecan and Netupitant / palonosetron have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Netupitant is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and can alter exposure to CYP3A4 substrates such as irinotecan. This combination is common in chemotherapy antiemetic regimens, and the net effect on irinotecan is uncertain because CYP3A4 both inactivates and modifies it. Clinically significant toxicity has not been well documented.
How serious is the interaction between Irinotecan and Netupitant / palonosetron?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for diarrhea and neutropenia, and adjust the irinotecan dose only if toxicity emerges.
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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