Drug interactions
Lovastatin + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Lovastatin 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
Nilotinib is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase lovastatin levels, raising the chance of statin-related myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Nilotinib may also be associated with muscle effects and can alter other drug exposures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lovastatin 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.
Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Nilotinib inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing lovastatin clearance.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; consider temporarily stopping lovastatin or choosing pravastatin or rosuvastatin. Monitor for muscle symptoms and creatine kinase if used together.
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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lovastatin with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lovastatin 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. Nilotinib is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase lovastatin levels, raising the chance of statin-related myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Nilotinib may also be associated with muscle effects and can alter other drug exposures.
How serious is the interaction between Lovastatin 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 concurrent use; consider temporarily stopping lovastatin or choosing pravastatin or rosuvastatin. Monitor for muscle symptoms and creatine kinase if used together.
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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