Drug interactions
Rifampicin + Vemurafenib
Severity: Major
Rifampicin and Vemurafenib: 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
Rifampicin lowers vemurafenib exposure and may reduce its antitumor efficacy in BRAF-mutant melanoma.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifampicin 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.
Rifampicin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Strong CYP3A4 induction by rifampicin increases vemurafenib metabolism.
What to do
Avoid strong inducers; if unavoidable, increase the vemurafenib dose as per labeling and monitor response and toxicity.
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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Other interactions of Vemurafenib
Other interactions of Rifampicin
- Cabotegravir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Delamanid + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Ensitrelvir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Fostemsavir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Isavuconazole + Rifampicin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rifampicin with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Rifampicin 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. Rifampicin lowers vemurafenib exposure and may reduce its antitumor efficacy in BRAF-mutant melanoma.
How serious is the interaction between Rifampicin 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 strong inducers; if unavoidable, increase the vemurafenib dose as per labeling and monitor response and toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vemurafenib with, for example, Alfuzosin, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Vemurafenib page.
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