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Drug interactions

Lapatinib + Trabectedin

Severity: Major

Lapatinib and Trabectedin: 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

Trabectedin is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4, which lapatinib inhibits. Higher trabectedin exposure may increase hepatotoxicity, myelosuppression and rhabdomyolysis.

What this interaction means in plain words

Lapatinib and Trabectedin 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; Trabectedin belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Lapatinib inhibits CYP3A4 and reduces trabectedin clearance.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible. If it is unavoidable, monitor liver enzymes, CPK and blood counts closely and reduce the trabectedin dose according to toxicity.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Lapatinib with Trabectedin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lapatinib and Trabectedin 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. Trabectedin is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4, which lapatinib inhibits. Higher trabectedin exposure may increase hepatotoxicity, myelosuppression and rhabdomyolysis.

How serious is the interaction between Lapatinib and Trabectedin?

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. If it is unavoidable, monitor liver enzymes, CPK and blood counts closely and reduce the trabectedin dose according to toxicity.

What other medicines interact with Lapatinib?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Lapatinib with, for example, Dofetilide, Ibutilide, Pimozide. The full list is on the Lapatinib page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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