Drug interactions
Methadone + Vemurafenib
Severity: Major
Methadone and Vemurafenib: 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
Vemurafenib can prolong the QT interval in a concentration-dependent way, and methadone has a similar effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes and is not recommended.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methadone and Vemurafenib 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.
Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation; vemurafenib is also a CYP3A4 inducer that may lower methadone exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, monitor ECG and electrolytes at baseline and regularly, and watch for reduced methadone effect.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Vemurafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methadone with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methadone and Vemurafenib 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. Vemurafenib can prolong the QT interval in a concentration-dependent way, and methadone has a similar effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes and is not recommended.
How serious is the interaction between Methadone and Vemurafenib?
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 the combination where possible; if used, monitor ECG and electrolytes at baseline and regularly, and watch for reduced methadone effect.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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