xenical and Cyclosporine Interactions

Interactions between xenical(orlistat) and Cyclosporine (cycloSPORINE)

cycloSPORINE and orlistat (Major Drug-Drug)

GENERALLY AVOID: Limited clinical data suggest that orlistat may significantly reduce the bioavailability of cyclosporine. By partially inhibiting the absorption of dietary fat, orlistat may indirectly reduce the gastrointestinal absorption of cyclosporine, which is a highly lipid-soluble drug. There have been case reports of patients whose cyclosporine blood levels became subtherapeutic shortly following the initiation of orlistat therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Given the risk of organ rejection associated with inadequate drug levels, orlistat should preferably not be used in transplant patients treated with cyclosporine. If concomitant therapy is necessary, separating the doses by at least 2 hours may help minimize the potential for an interaction. Cyclosporine blood levels should be closely monitored and patients should be monitored for signs of rejection.