Drug interactions
Palbociclib + Primidone
Severity: Major
Palbociclib and Primidone: 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
Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital and acts as a CYP3A inducer, which can lower palbociclib concentrations. This may compromise the antitumor effect of palbociclib.
What this interaction means in plain words
Palbociclib and Primidone 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.
Palbociclib belongs to Oncology; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Primidone and its metabolite phenobarbital induce CYP3A4, increasing palbociclib clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination and switch to a non-inducing antiepileptic if feasible. If it cannot be avoided, monitor closely for loss of disease control.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Palbociclib and Primidone, 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 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Palbociclib
Other interactions of Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Palbociclib with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Palbociclib and Primidone 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. Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital and acts as a CYP3A inducer, which can lower palbociclib concentrations. This may compromise the antitumor effect of palbociclib.
How serious is the interaction between Palbociclib and Primidone?
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 and switch to a non-inducing antiepileptic if feasible. If it cannot be avoided, monitor closely for loss of disease control.
What other medicines interact with Palbociclib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Palbociclib with, for example, Apalutamide, Atazanavir, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Palbociclib 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.
