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Drug interactions

Saquinavir + Ticagrelor

Severity: Major

Saquinavir and Ticagrelor: 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

Saquinavir, usually boosted with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and can greatly increase ticagrelor levels. This increases bleeding risk.

What this interaction means in plain words

Saquinavir and Ticagrelor 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

CYP3A4 inhibition by saquinavir decreases ticagrelor metabolism.

What to do

Avoid the combination in line with labeling on strong CYP3A inhibitors. Choose another P2Y12 inhibitor or antiretroviral if possible.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Saquinavir with Ticagrelor?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Saquinavir and Ticagrelor 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. Saquinavir, usually boosted with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and can greatly increase ticagrelor levels. This increases bleeding risk.

How serious is the interaction between Saquinavir and Ticagrelor?

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 in line with labeling on strong CYP3A inhibitors. Choose another P2Y12 inhibitor or antiretroviral if possible.

What other medicines interact with Ticagrelor?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ticagrelor with, for example, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Levoketoconazole. The full list is on the Ticagrelor page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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