Drug interactions
Lapatinib + Lovastatin
Severity: Major
Lapatinib and Lovastatin: 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
Lapatinib inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise lovastatin concentrations. Elevated lovastatin exposure increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lapatinib and Lovastatin 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.
Lapatinib belongs to Oncology; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Lapatinib inhibits CYP3A4, reducing the metabolism of lovastatin.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; suspend lovastatin during lapatinib therapy or use a statin not dependent on CYP3A4. Monitor for muscle pain and creatine kinase if co-administration cannot be avoided.
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 Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lapatinib with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lapatinib and Lovastatin 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. Lapatinib inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise lovastatin concentrations. Elevated lovastatin exposure increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
How serious is the interaction between Lapatinib and Lovastatin?
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 where possible; suspend lovastatin during lapatinib therapy or use a statin not dependent on CYP3A4. Monitor for muscle pain and creatine kinase if co-administration cannot be avoided.
What other medicines interact with Lovastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lovastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Lovastatin page.
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