Drug interactions
Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir
Severity: Major
Primidone and Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir: 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
Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital and acts as an inducer of P-gp and CYP enzymes. It can substantially lower sofosbuvir and velpatasvir levels and cause HCV treatment failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Primidone and Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Primidone and its phenobarbital metabolite induce P-gp and CYP2B6/2C8/3A4, increasing antiviral clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination and switch to a non-inducing anticonvulsant where possible. Otherwise defer HCV therapy.
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 Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir
- Rifampin + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir + St john's wort Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Major
- Apalutamide + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Major
- Carbamazepine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Major
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 Primidone with Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Primidone and Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir 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 an inducer of P-gp and CYP enzymes. It can substantially lower sofosbuvir and velpatasvir levels and cause HCV treatment failure.
How serious is the interaction between Primidone and Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir?
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 anticonvulsant where possible. Otherwise defer HCV therapy.
What other medicines interact with Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir with, for example, Rifampin, Rifapentine, St john's wort. The full list is on the Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir page.
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