Drug interactions
Nilotinib + Rufinamide
Severity: Moderate
Nilotinib and Rufinamide: 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
Rufinamide is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may lower nilotinib concentrations. Reduced nilotinib exposure could lessen the control of leukemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nilotinib and Rufinamide 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.
Nilotinib belongs to Oncology; Rufinamide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak induction of CYP3A4 by rufinamide increases nilotinib metabolism.
What to do
Monitor molecular response and nilotinib tolerability when rufinamide is started or stopped. Consider nilotinib levels where available, or a non-inducing anticonvulsant.
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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Other interactions of Rufinamide
- Carbamazepine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Rufinamide Moderate
- Dronedarone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Esketamine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Rufinamide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nilotinib with Rufinamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nilotinib and Rufinamide 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. Rufinamide is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may lower nilotinib concentrations. Reduced nilotinib exposure could lessen the control of leukemia.
How serious is the interaction between Nilotinib and Rufinamide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor molecular response and nilotinib tolerability when rufinamide is started or stopped. Consider nilotinib levels where available, or a non-inducing anticonvulsant.
What other medicines interact with Nilotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nilotinib with, for example, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Nilotinib page.
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