Skip to content

Drug interactions

Lopinavir + Tofacitinib

Severity: Major

Lopinavir and Tofacitinib: 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

Lopinavir/ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase tofacitinib exposure, raising the risk of infection and cytopenias.

What this interaction means in plain words

Lopinavir and Tofacitinib 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.

Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Ritonavir-boosted lopinavir inhibits CYP3A4-mediated tofacitinib metabolism.

What to do

Reduce the tofacitinib dose as labeled for strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Monitor for infection and hematologic abnormalities.

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.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Lopinavir and Tofacitinib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Lopinavir with Tofacitinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lopinavir and Tofacitinib 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. Lopinavir/ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase tofacitinib exposure, raising the risk of infection and cytopenias.

How serious is the interaction between Lopinavir and Tofacitinib?

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 tofacitinib dose as labeled for strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Monitor for infection and hematologic abnormalities.

What other medicines interact with Tofacitinib?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Tofacitinib with, for example, Baricitinib, Cladribine, Upadacitinib. The full list is on the Tofacitinib 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.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in