Home Interactions Checker

Drug interactions between Gemzar and Taxol

Results for the following 2 drugs:
Gemzar (gemcitabine)
Taxol (paclitaxel)

Interactions between your selected drugs

paclitaxel ↔ gemcitabine

Applies to:Taxol (paclitaxel) and Gemzar (gemcitabine)

MONITOR: Coadministration with paclitaxel may increase the plasma concentrations of gemcitabine, and high levels of gemcitabine may inhibit the intracellular accumulation of its active triphosphate metabolite. The mechanism of interaction has not been described. In one study, 14 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer received paclitaxel (110 mg/m2 over 3 hours) followed by gemcitabine (800 mg/m2 over 80 minutes) on days 1 and 8 every 21 days, with the exception of day 1 of cycle 1 when they received gemcitabine alone. Of 13 patients included in the pharmacokinetic analysis, 61% achieved the desired steady-state gemcitabine plasma concentration (10 to 20 microM) when the drug was administered alone, compared to 0% to 45% during cycles with paclitaxel. Paclitaxel significantly decreased systemic clearance and volume of distribution of gemcitabine, resulting in increased steady-state concentration. Gemcitabine pharmacokinetics demonstrated great interpatient variability when given alone, which was not observed during coadministration with paclitaxel.

MANAGEMENT: The potential for diminished pharmacologic effects of gemcitabine should be considered during coadministration with paclitaxel.

See also...

Drug Interaction Classification

The classifications below are a guideline only. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific patient is difficult to determine using this tool alone given the large number of variables that may apply.

Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.

Do not stop taking any medications without consulting your healthcare provider.


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