Drug interactions
Lomitapide + Lovastatin
Severity: Major
Lomitapide 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
Lomitapide is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor that increases exposure to CYP3A4-metabolized statins such as lovastatin. This raises the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, and both drugs can also elevate liver enzymes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lomitapide 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.
Lomitapide belongs to Cardiovascular; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Lomitapide inhibits CYP3A4, reducing the metabolism of lovastatin.
What to do
Reduce the lovastatin dose by half when starting lomitapide and keep the daily dose within labeled limits. Monitor for muscle symptoms, CK and liver enzymes.
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 Lomitapide
- Aprepitant + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Ensitrelvir + Lomitapide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lomitapide with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lomitapide 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. Lomitapide is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor that increases exposure to CYP3A4-metabolized statins such as lovastatin. This raises the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, and both drugs can also elevate liver enzymes.
How serious is the interaction between Lomitapide 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: Reduce the lovastatin dose by half when starting lomitapide and keep the daily dose within labeled limits. Monitor for muscle symptoms, CK and liver enzymes.
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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