Drug interactions
Ivacaftor + Rifabutin
Severity: Major
Ivacaftor and Rifabutin: 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
Rifabutin induces CYP3A and can lower ivacaftor concentrations, reducing efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ivacaftor and Rifabutin 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.
Ivacaftor belongs to Miscellaneous; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
CYP3A induction by rifabutin increases ivacaftor metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination; use a non-inducing alternative if feasible.
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 Ivacaftor
- Ensitrelvir + Ivacaftor Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Ivacaftor Major
- Carbamazepine + Ivacaftor Major
- Clarithromycin + Ivacaftor Major
- Efavirenz + Ivacaftor Major
- Enzalutamide + Ivacaftor Major
Other interactions of Rifabutin
- Cabotegravir + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Rifabutin + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Rifabutin Major
- Axitinib + Rifabutin Major
- Brexpiprazole + Rifabutin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ivacaftor with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ivacaftor and Rifabutin 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. Rifabutin induces CYP3A and can lower ivacaftor concentrations, reducing efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Ivacaftor and Rifabutin?
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 the combination; use a non-inducing alternative if feasible.
What other medicines interact with Ivacaftor?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ivacaftor with, for example, Ensitrelvir, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Ivacaftor page.
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