Drug interactions
Lithium + Vemurafenib
Severity: Moderate
Lithium and Vemurafenib: 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
Vemurafenib can prolong the QT interval, and lithium may add to this effect. Together they may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, especially with electrolyte abnormalities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Vemurafenib 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.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and electrolytes and repeat them during treatment. Interrupt or reduce vemurafenib per labeling if QTc rises markedly.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Other interactions of Vemurafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lithium and Vemurafenib 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. Vemurafenib can prolong the QT interval, and lithium may add to this effect. Together they may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, especially with electrolyte abnormalities.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and electrolytes and repeat them during treatment. Interrupt or reduce vemurafenib per labeling if QTc rises markedly.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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