Drug interactions between Lipitor and Rebif

MONITOR: Coadministration of beta interferons with other agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Use of beta interferons has been associated with rare cases of liver injury, including autoimmune hepatitis and severe liver damage leading to hepatic failure, some of which required transplantation. In some cases, these events have occurred in the presence of other drugs that have been associated with hepatic injury. Symptoms of liver dysfunction typically began from 1 to 6 months following the initiation of therapy. Asymptomatic elevation of hepatic transaminases (particularly SGPT) have also been reported but is common with interferon therapy.

MANAGEMENT: The risk of hepatic injury should be considered when beta interferons are used in combination with other agents that are potentially hepatotoxic (e.g., acetaminophen; alcohol; androgens and anabolic steroids; antituberculous agents; azole antifungal agents; ACE inhibitors; endothelin receptor antagonists; other interferons; nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; thiazolidinediones; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, hydantoins, felbamate, and valproic acid; lipid-lowering medications such as fenofibrate, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and niacin; herbals and nutritional supplements such as black cohosh, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, kava, pennyroyal oil, and red yeast rice). Liver function tests should be monitored at regular intervals and the interferon dosage reduced if SGPT rises above 5 times the upper limit of normal. The dosage may be gradually re-escalated when enzyme levels return to normal. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience potential signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice. If liver injury is suspected, interferon therapy should be promptly discontinued due to the potential for rapid progression to liver failure.