Drug interactions
Lapatinib + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Lapatinib and Nilotinib: 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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and both are CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein substrates and inhibitors, so each can raise the other's concentrations. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lapatinib and Nilotinib 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; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus mutual inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider dose reduction if QTc lengthens.
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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib 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 Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lapatinib and Nilotinib 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. Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and both are CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein substrates and inhibitors, so each can raise the other's concentrations. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Lapatinib and Nilotinib?
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 if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider dose reduction if QTc lengthens.
What other medicines interact with Nilotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nilotinib with, for example, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Nilotinib page.
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