Drug interactions
Ivacaftor + Simvastatin
Severity: Moderate
Ivacaftor and Simvastatin: 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
Ivacaftor and its M1 metabolite weakly inhibit P-gp and CYP3A, which may modestly raise simvastatin exposure. The clinical effect is usually limited but could increase muscle toxicity risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ivacaftor and Simvastatin 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.
Ivacaftor belongs to Miscellaneous; Simvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Weak inhibition of P-glycoprotein and CYP3A by ivacaftor increases simvastatin absorption and reduces its clearance.
What to do
Monitor for myalgia and use the lowest effective simvastatin dose. Check CK if muscle symptoms occur.
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 Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ivacaftor
- Ensitrelvir + Ivacaftor Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Ivacaftor Major
- Carbamazepine + Ivacaftor Major
- Clarithromycin + Ivacaftor Major
- Efavirenz + Ivacaftor Major
- Enzalutamide + Ivacaftor Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ivacaftor with Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ivacaftor and Simvastatin 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. Ivacaftor and its M1 metabolite weakly inhibit P-gp and CYP3A, which may modestly raise simvastatin exposure. The clinical effect is usually limited but could increase muscle toxicity risk.
How serious is the interaction between Ivacaftor and Simvastatin?
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 myalgia and use the lowest effective simvastatin dose. Check CK if muscle symptoms occur.
What other medicines interact with Simvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Simvastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Simvastatin page.
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