Drug interactions
Sodium valproate + Vorinostat
Severity: Major
Sodium valproate and Vorinostat: 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
Valproate has HDAC inhibitory activity and, when combined with vorinostat, has been associated with severe thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal bleeding. This is a serious hematologic toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sodium valproate and Vorinostat 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.
Sodium valproate belongs to Central Nervous System; Vorinostat belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive HDAC inhibition and bone marrow suppression, with consequent thrombocytopenia.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If used, monitor platelet counts every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and watch for bleeding, adjusting or stopping therapy if counts fall.
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 Vorinostat
- Thioridazine + Vorinostat Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Vorinostat Major
- Amisulpride + Vorinostat Major
- Anagrelide + Vorinostat Major
- Asenapine + Vorinostat Major
- Chlorpromazine + Vorinostat Major
Other interactions of Sodium valproate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Sodium valproate with Vorinostat?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Sodium valproate and Vorinostat 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. Valproate has HDAC inhibitory activity and, when combined with vorinostat, has been associated with severe thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal bleeding. This is a serious hematologic toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Sodium valproate and Vorinostat?
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 where possible. If used, monitor platelet counts every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and watch for bleeding, adjusting or stopping therapy if counts fall.
What other medicines interact with Vorinostat?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vorinostat with, for example, Thioridazine, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Vorinostat page.
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