Drug interactions
Irinotecan + Safinamide
Severity: Moderate
Irinotecan and Safinamide: 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
Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 are BCRP substrates, and inhibition of BCRP by safinamide may increase exposure. Because irinotecan is given intravenously, the effect is likely modest. Higher SN-38 exposure could worsen diarrhea and neutropenia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irinotecan and Safinamide 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.
Irinotecan belongs to Oncology; Safinamide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Safinamide inhibits BCRP, which may reduce efflux and clearance of SN-38 and irinotecan.
What to do
Monitor for severe diarrhea and neutropenia during irinotecan cycles. Manage toxicity per standard protocols and reduce the irinotecan dose if needed.
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 Safinamide
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amphetamine polistirex + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
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 Safinamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Irinotecan and Safinamide 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. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 are BCRP substrates, and inhibition of BCRP by safinamide may increase exposure. Because irinotecan is given intravenously, the effect is likely modest. Higher SN-38 exposure could worsen diarrhea and neutropenia.
How serious is the interaction between Irinotecan and Safinamide?
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 for severe diarrhea and neutropenia during irinotecan cycles. Manage toxicity per standard protocols and reduce the irinotecan dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Safinamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Safinamide with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Amphetamine polistirex. The full list is on the Safinamide page.
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