Drug interactions
Primaquine + Vemurafenib
Severity: Major
Primaquine and Vemurafenib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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, and primaquine may add to this effect. The combination may raise the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Primaquine 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.
Primaquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination if an alternative exists. Otherwise obtain baseline and follow-up ECGs and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range.
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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References
Other interactions of Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
Other interactions of Vemurafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Primaquine with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Primaquine 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, and primaquine may add to this effect. The combination may raise the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Primaquine 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 if an alternative exists. Otherwise obtain baseline and follow-up ECGs and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range.
What other medicines interact with Primaquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Primaquine with, for example, Pimozide, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Primaquine page.
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