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Can you take Avastin with Letrozole / ribociclib?

1 drug interaction and 28 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

letrozole ribociclib

Applies to: letrozole / ribociclib and letrozole / ribociclib

Ribociclib may increase the blood levels and effects of letrozole.

You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

ribociclib Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: letrozole / ribociclib

Patients should not consume pomegranates, pomegranate juice, grapefruit, or grapefruit juice during treatment with ribociclib unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

Pomegranate juice or grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of ribociclib.

You may be more likely to experience side effects such as:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • abdominal pain
  • mouth sores
  • hair loss
  • weakness
  • impaired bone marrow function resulting in low numbers of different types of blood cells, which can increase the risk of anemia, bleeding problems, and infections

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

27 potential interactions Applies to: 24 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Underactive Thyroid, Osteoporosis, and Pulmonary Embolism.

Abdominopelvic Fistulas

Major:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a major potential interaction with Abdominopelvic Fistulas.

Bevacizumab may cause fatal fistula formation involving tracheoesophageal, bronchopleural, biliary, vaginal, renal and bladder sites. Permanently discontinue bevacizumab in patients with tracheoesophageal fistula or any Grade 4 fistula. Discontinue bevacizumab in patients with fistula formation involving an internal organ.

Bleeding Disorder

Moderate:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a moderate potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.

Bevacizumab impairs wound healing and increases the occurrence of wound-related complications, which might require surgical intervention. Bevacizumab should not be started for at least 28 days after surgery and until the wound is fully healed. Discontinue bevacizumab in patients with wound healing complications requiring medical intervention or in patients who develop necrotizing fasciitis. Do not administer this agent to patients with recent history of hemoptysis and discontinue bevacizumab in patients with hemorrhage. Caution is recommended when using this agent in patients at increased risk of bleeding or before surgery and is recommended to stop therapy for at least 28 days prior to elective surgery.

Bronchopleural Fistula

Major:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a major potential interaction with Bronchopleural Fistula.

Bevacizumab may cause fatal fistula formation involving tracheoesophageal, bronchopleural, biliary, vaginal, renal and bladder sites. Permanently discontinue bevacizumab in patients with tracheoesophageal fistula or any Grade 4 fistula. Discontinue bevacizumab in patients with fistula formation involving an internal organ.

Dermatitis, Drug-Induced

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The ribociclib in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with Dermatitis, Drug-Induced.

Patients receiving ribociclib have developed severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. This drug must not be reintroduced in patients who have experienced SCARs or other life-threatening cutaneous reactions during ribociclib treatment.

Electrolyte Abnormalities

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The ribociclib in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.

Ribociclib has been shown to prolong the QT interval in a concentration-dependent manner. This drug should be avoided in patients who are at significant risk of developing torsade de pointes, including those with: congenital long QT syndrome; uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease, recent myocardial infarction, heart failure, unstable angina, bradyarrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, high degree atrioventricular block, severe aortic stenosis, or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; electrolyte abnormalities. ECG should be performed in all patients prior to initiation of treatment; ribociclib should be started only in patients with QTcF (QT corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's formula) values less than 450 milliseconds. ECG should be repeated at Day 14 of the first cycle, and as clinically indicated. Serum electrolytes (including potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium) should be monitored before the initiation of treatment, at the beginning of the first 6 cycles, and as clinically indicated; any electrolyte abnormality should be corrected before starting this drug. Ribociclib may require dose interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation according to observed QT prolongation during therapy.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Major:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) may cause gastrointestinal perforation and fistulae. Avoid use of these agents in patients with ovarian cancer who have evidence of recto-sigmoid involvement by pelvic examination or bowel involvement on CT scan or clinical symptoms of bowel obstruction. Permanently discontinue these agents in patients with gastrointestinal perforation.

Gastrointestinal Perforation

Major:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Perforation.

Inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) may cause gastrointestinal perforation and fistulae. Avoid use of these agents in patients with ovarian cancer who have evidence of recto-sigmoid involvement by pelvic examination or bowel involvement on CT scan or clinical symptoms of bowel obstruction. Permanently discontinue these agents in patients with gastrointestinal perforation.

Heart Disease

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The ribociclib in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Ribociclib has been shown to prolong the QT interval in a concentration-dependent manner. This drug should be avoided in patients who are at significant risk of developing torsade de pointes, including those with: congenital long QT syndrome; uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease, recent myocardial infarction, heart failure, unstable angina, bradyarrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, high degree atrioventricular block, severe aortic stenosis, or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; electrolyte abnormalities. ECG should be performed in all patients prior to initiation of treatment; ribociclib should be started only in patients with QTcF (QT corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's formula) values less than 450 milliseconds. ECG should be repeated at Day 14 of the first cycle, and as clinically indicated. Serum electrolytes (including potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium) should be monitored before the initiation of treatment, at the beginning of the first 6 cycles, and as clinically indicated; any electrolyte abnormality should be corrected before starting this drug. Ribociclib may require dose interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation according to observed QT prolongation during therapy.

High Blood Pressure

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The ribociclib in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Ribociclib has been shown to prolong the QT interval in a concentration-dependent manner. This drug should be avoided in patients who are at significant risk of developing torsade de pointes, including those with: congenital long QT syndrome; uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease, recent myocardial infarction, heart failure, unstable angina, bradyarrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, high degree atrioventricular block, severe aortic stenosis, or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; electrolyte abnormalities. ECG should be performed in all patients prior to initiation of treatment; ribociclib should be started only in patients with QTcF (QT corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's formula) values less than 450 milliseconds. ECG should be repeated at Day 14 of the first cycle, and as clinically indicated. Serum electrolytes (including potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium) should be monitored before the initiation of treatment, at the beginning of the first 6 cycles, and as clinically indicated; any electrolyte abnormality should be corrected before starting this drug. Ribociclib may require dose interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation according to observed QT prolongation during therapy.

High Cholesterol

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The letrozole in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

In an adjuvant clinical trial hypercholesterolemia was reported in 52.3% of letrozole patients and 28.6% of tamoxifen patients. CTC grade 3-4 hypercholesterolemia was reported in 0.4% of letrozole patients and 0.1% of tamoxifen patients. Also in the adjuvant setting, an increase of >=1.5 X ULN in total cholesterol (generally non-fasting) was observed in patients on monotherapy who had baseline total serum cholesterol within the normal range (i.e., <=1.5 X ULN) in 151/1843 (8.2%) on letrozole vs 57/1840 (3.2%). Caution is recommended when prescribing letrozole to these patients. Consideration should be given to monitoring serum cholesterol.

History, Radiation Therapy

Major:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a major potential interaction with History, Radiation Therapy.

Inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) may cause gastrointestinal perforation and fistulae. Avoid use of these agents in patients with ovarian cancer who have evidence of recto-sigmoid involvement by pelvic examination or bowel involvement on CT scan or clinical symptoms of bowel obstruction. Permanently discontinue these agents in patients with gastrointestinal perforation.

Major:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a major potential interaction with History, Radiation Therapy.

Bevacizumab may cause fatal fistula formation involving tracheoesophageal, bronchopleural, biliary, vaginal, renal and bladder sites. Permanently discontinue bevacizumab in patients with tracheoesophageal fistula or any Grade 4 fistula. Discontinue bevacizumab in patients with fistula formation involving an internal organ.

History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder

Moderate:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a moderate potential interaction with History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

Venous and arterial thromboembolic events (VTE and ATE), some fatal, have been reported with the use of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR). Caution is recommended when using these agents in patients with a reported history of VTE or ATE. These agents should be discontinued in patients with serious or life-threatening VTE or ATE, including pulmonary embolism.

Hypertensive Encephalopathy

Moderate:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a moderate potential interaction with Hypertensive Encephalopathy.

Inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) have been associated with severe increases in blood pressure. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypertension. Blood pressure should be assessed prior to initiating treatment, regularly during treatment and after discontinuation in patients with bevacizumab -induced or -exacerbated hypertension. Temporarily suspend these agents in patients with severe hypertension that is not controlled with medical management. Discontinue these agents in patients with hypertensive crisis or hypertensive encephalopathy.

Interstitial Lung Disease

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The ribociclib in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with Interstitial Lung Disease.

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) and/or pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with ribociclib. Patients should be monitored for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis, which may include hypoxia, cough, and dyspnea. Ribociclib should be interrupted immediately and patients should be evaluated if new or worsening respiratory symptoms suspected to be due to ILD or pneumonitis develop. This drug should be permanently discontinued in patients with any recurrent symptomatic or severe ILD/pneumonitis.

Liver Disease

Major:

letrozole / ribociclib

The letrozole in letrozole / ribociclib has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Letrozole is extensively metabolized by the liver. The pharmacokinetic disposition of letrozole has not been assessed in patients with severe hepatic impairment. No dosage modification is recommended for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, however, therapy with letrozole should be administered cautiously to patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The ribociclib in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Ribociclib undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism mainly via CYP450 3A4 in humans. Increases in transaminases and drug-induced liver injury have occurred in clinical studies. The starting dose of ribociclib should be reduced to 400 mg in patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have moderate or severe liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh B or C). Liver function tests (LFTs) should be performed before initiating therapy; LFTs should be monitored every 2 weeks for the first 2 cycles, at the beginning of each subsequent 4 cycles, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, or drug discontinuation may be necessary based on the severity of transaminase elevations. No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with breast cancer who have mild liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh A).

Osteoporosis

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The letrozole in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with Osteoporosis.

Use of letrozole tablets may cause decreases in bone mineral density (BMD). Caution should exercise when prescribing this agent to patients with a risk of fractures, such as the elderly and patients with osteoporosis. Consider bone mineral density monitoring in patients treated with letrozole.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

Moderate:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a moderate potential interaction with Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) has been reported with the use of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) in clinical studies. PRES is a neurological disorder which can present with headache, seizure, lethargy, confusion, blindness and other visual and neurologic disturbances. It is recommended to discontinue these agents in patients developing PRES. The safety of restarting therapy is not known. Cation is recommended if therapy is reinitiating in patients previously experiencing PRES.

Proteinuria

Moderate:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a moderate potential interaction with Proteinuria.

The incidence and severity of proteinuria is increased in patients taking inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR). Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with renal dysfunction. Monitoring for proteinuria and hematuria is recommended and perform baseline and periodic urinalyses during treatment, with follow up measurement as clinically indicated. It is recommended to temporarily suspend these agents in patients with moderate to severe proteinuria and to discontinue therapy in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Pulmonary Embolism

Moderate:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a moderate potential interaction with Pulmonary Embolism.

Venous and arterial thromboembolic events (VTE and ATE), some fatal, have been reported with the use of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR). Caution is recommended when using these agents in patients with a reported history of VTE or ATE. These agents should be discontinued in patients with serious or life-threatening VTE or ATE, including pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary Impairment

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The ribociclib in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) and/or pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with ribociclib. Patients should be monitored for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis, which may include hypoxia, cough, and dyspnea. Ribociclib should be interrupted immediately and patients should be evaluated if new or worsening respiratory symptoms suspected to be due to ILD or pneumonitis develop. This drug should be permanently discontinued in patients with any recurrent symptomatic or severe ILD/pneumonitis.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The incidence and severity of proteinuria is increased in patients taking inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR). Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with renal dysfunction. Monitoring for proteinuria and hematuria is recommended and perform baseline and periodic urinalyses during treatment, with follow up measurement as clinically indicated. It is recommended to temporarily suspend these agents in patients with moderate to severe proteinuria and to discontinue therapy in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The ribociclib in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The starting dose of ribociclib should be reduced to 200 mg in patients with severe renal dysfunction. No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild or moderate renal dysfunction (estimated GFR 30 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2).

Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder

Moderate:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

Venous and arterial thromboembolic events (VTE and ATE), some fatal, have been reported with the use of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR). Caution is recommended when using these agents in patients with a reported history of VTE or ATE. These agents should be discontinued in patients with serious or life-threatening VTE or ATE, including pulmonary embolism.

Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Major:

Avastin

The bevacizumab in Avastin has a major potential interaction with Tracheoesophageal Fistula.

Bevacizumab may cause fatal fistula formation involving tracheoesophageal, bronchopleural, biliary, vaginal, renal and bladder sites. Permanently discontinue bevacizumab in patients with tracheoesophageal fistula or any Grade 4 fistula. Discontinue bevacizumab in patients with fistula formation involving an internal organ.

Underactive Thyroid

Moderate:

letrozole / ribociclib

The ribociclib in letrozole / ribociclib has a moderate potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.

Ribociclib has been shown to prolong the QT interval in a concentration-dependent manner. This drug should be avoided in patients who are at significant risk of developing torsade de pointes, including those with: congenital long QT syndrome; uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease, recent myocardial infarction, heart failure, unstable angina, bradyarrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, high degree atrioventricular block, severe aortic stenosis, or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; electrolyte abnormalities. ECG should be performed in all patients prior to initiation of treatment; ribociclib should be started only in patients with QTcF (QT corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's formula) values less than 450 milliseconds. ECG should be repeated at Day 14 of the first cycle, and as clinically indicated. Serum electrolytes (including potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium) should be monitored before the initiation of treatment, at the beginning of the first 6 cycles, and as clinically indicated; any electrolyte abnormality should be corrected before starting this drug. Ribociclib may require dose interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation according to observed QT prolongation during therapy.

More resources

Avastin

A total of 55 drugs are known to interact with Avastin.

letrozole / ribociclib

A total of 806 drugs are known to interact with letrozole / ribociclib.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
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.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.