Drug interactions
Lumefantrine + Simvastatin
Severity: Minor
Lumefantrine and Simvastatin: minor 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
Lumefantrine is a weak CYP3A4 substrate and is not an established CYP3A4 inducer, so a clinically important fall in simvastatin levels is not expected. Any effect on simvastatin is unlikely to be of clinical significance and there is no basis for a contraindication.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lumefantrine and Simvastatin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
No well-established mechanism; a small effect on CYP3A4 activity is theoretical.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed. Check lipid response if the statin appears less effective after antimalarial treatment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Lumefantrine and Simvastatin, 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.
Other interactions of Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lumefantrine with Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Lumefantrine and Simvastatin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Lumefantrine is a weak CYP3A4 substrate and is not an established CYP3A4 inducer, so a clinically important fall in simvastatin levels is not expected. Any effect on simvastatin is unlikely to be of clinical significance and there is no basis for a contraindication.
How serious is the interaction between Lumefantrine and Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine adjustment is needed. Check lipid response if the statin appears less effective after antimalarial treatment.
What other medicines interact with Simvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Simvastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Simvastatin 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.
