Drug interactions
Methyl aminolevulinate + Pirfenidone
Severity: Moderate
Methyl aminolevulinate and Pirfenidone: moderate 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
Methyl aminolevulinate is used topically with photodynamic therapy, and pirfenidone causes systemic photosensitivity. Together they may increase phototoxic reactions in treated skin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methyl aminolevulinate and Pirfenidone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive photosensitization from protoporphyrin accumulation and pirfenidone's phototoxic potential.
What to do
Counsel strict sun avoidance and photoprotection, and consider timing photodynamic therapy when pirfenidone can be temporarily paused if clinically acceptable. Monitor treated skin for severe reactions.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Pirfenidone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methyl aminolevulinate with Pirfenidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methyl aminolevulinate and Pirfenidone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Methyl aminolevulinate is used topically with photodynamic therapy, and pirfenidone causes systemic photosensitivity. Together they may increase phototoxic reactions in treated skin.
How serious is the interaction between Methyl aminolevulinate and Pirfenidone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel strict sun avoidance and photoprotection, and consider timing photodynamic therapy when pirfenidone can be temporarily paused if clinically acceptable. Monitor treated skin for severe reactions.
What other medicines interact with Pirfenidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pirfenidone with, for example, Carbamazepine, Ciprofloxacin, Fluvoxamine. The full list is on the Pirfenidone page.
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