Skip to main content

Can you take Fematrol with Ponesimod?

1 drug interaction and 20 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

bisacodyl ponesimod

Applies to: Fematrol (bisacodyl) and ponesimod

Ponesimod can cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. The risk is increased if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances, such as low blood levels of magnesium or potassium. These electrolyte disturbances can occur with bowel cleansing preparations or excessive use of medications that have a laxative effect, such as bisacodyl. Do not exceed the dose and duration recommended on the product label or prescribed by your doctor. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether taken together or separately. In addition, you should let your doctor know if you experience signs and symptoms of low magnesium or potassium blood level such as weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, tingling, numbness, muscle pain, cramps, nausea, or vomiting. 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:

bisacodyl multivitamins with minerals

Applies to: Fematrol (bisacodyl)

Chronic use of bisacodyl may reduce your body's ability to absorb certain vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and minerals like calcium. To reduce the risk of diminished absorption of multivitamins with minerals, it is best to use bisacodyl only occasionally or for short periods. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. 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

19 potential interactions Applies to: 18 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Arrhythmia, Sleep Apnea, Multiple Sclerosis, and Heart Disease.

Appendicitis

Major:

Fematrol

The bisacodyl in Fematrol has a major potential interaction with Appendicitis.

The use of stimulant laxatives is contraindicated in patients with or who may have acute surgical abdomen or appendicitis. These patients may be candidates for emergency surgery. Stimulant laxatives should also not be administered to patients with abdominal pain, particularly if the cause has not been determined.

Arrhythmia

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

The use of ponesimod may result in a transient decrease in heart rate and atrioventricular (AV) conduction delays, especially during treatment initiation. This drug is not recommended in patients with a history of cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular disease (e.g., TIA, stroke occurring more than 6 months prior to treatment initiation), uncontrolled hypertension, or severe untreated sleep apnea, since significant bradycardia may be poorly tolerated in these patients. The use of this drug in patients with a history of recurrent syncope or symptomatic bradycardia should be based on an overall benefit-risk assessment. Obtain an ECG in all patients to determine whether preexisting conduction abnormalities are present and consult a cardiologist if appropriate. Monitor closely patients taking concurrent therapy with drugs that decrease heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and other drugs that may decrease heart rate).

Bleeding Disorder

Major:

Fematrol

The bisacodyl in Fematrol has a major potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.

The use of stimulant laxatives is contraindicated in patients with anal or rectal fissures. These preparations may cause irritation, burning sensation, and proctitis.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Rare cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) have been reported in patients receiving a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator. It is recommended to promptly schedule a complete physical and neurological examination and should consider an MRI, if a patient develops any unexpected neurological or psychiatric symptoms/signs, any symptom/sign suggestive of an increase of intracranial pressure, or accelerated neurological deterioration. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. Exercise care when using this agent in patients with a history of ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. Treatment should be discontinued if PRES is suspected.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Macular edema has been reported with the use of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. Care should be exercised when using these drugs in patients with a history of uveitis and patients with diabetes mellitus as these patients are at increased risk for macular edema. Before starting treatment with these agents, an ophthalmic evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, is recommended in all patients and at any time if vision change is reported during treatment. Patients with a history of uveitis and patients with diabetes mellitus should have regular follow-up examinations of the fundus, including the macula during treatment. Continuation of therapy in patients with macular edema has not been evaluated, therefore, a decision on whether or not to discontinue treatment needs to take into account the potential benefits and risks for the individual patients.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Major:

Fematrol

The bisacodyl in Fematrol has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction disorders. Patients with intestinal obstruction disorders may need their underlying condition treated to correct the constipation. Some laxatives require reduction in the colon to their active form to be effective which may be a problem in patients with intestinal obstruction.

Heart Disease

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.

The use of ponesimod may result in a transient decrease in heart rate and atrioventricular (AV) conduction delays, especially during treatment initiation. This drug is not recommended in patients with a history of cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular disease (e.g., TIA, stroke occurring more than 6 months prior to treatment initiation), uncontrolled hypertension, or severe untreated sleep apnea, since significant bradycardia may be poorly tolerated in these patients. The use of this drug in patients with a history of recurrent syncope or symptomatic bradycardia should be based on an overall benefit-risk assessment. Obtain an ECG in all patients to determine whether preexisting conduction abnormalities are present and consult a cardiologist if appropriate. Monitor closely patients taking concurrent therapy with drugs that decrease heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and other drugs that may decrease heart rate).

High Blood Pressure

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

The use of ponesimod may result in a transient decrease in heart rate and atrioventricular (AV) conduction delays, especially during treatment initiation. This drug is not recommended in patients with a history of cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular disease (e.g., TIA, stroke occurring more than 6 months prior to treatment initiation), uncontrolled hypertension, or severe untreated sleep apnea, since significant bradycardia may be poorly tolerated in these patients. The use of this drug in patients with a history of recurrent syncope or symptomatic bradycardia should be based on an overall benefit-risk assessment. Obtain an ECG in all patients to determine whether preexisting conduction abnormalities are present and consult a cardiologist if appropriate. Monitor closely patients taking concurrent therapy with drugs that decrease heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and other drugs that may decrease heart rate).

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

The use of ponesimod may result in increased blood pressure. Care should be exercised when using this drug in hypertensive patients and those at risk for hypertension. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure during treatment and manage it according to clinical practices.

Infection

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Infection.

The use of ponesimod may increase the risk of infections, and some serious infections with opportunistic pathogens including viruses have been reported. Prior to treatment, a recent CBC (i.e., within 6 months or after discontinuation of prior therapy) should be available. It is recommended to delay treatment initiation in patients with an active infection until complete resolution. Consider withholding treatment if a patient develops a serious infection, and reassess the benefits and risks prior to reinitiating therapy.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Major:

Fematrol

The bisacodyl in Fematrol has a major potential interaction with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may experience colonic perforation with use of stimulant laxatives.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of this drug may increase liver transaminases. Ponesimod is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B and C). No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A). Patients should have liver enzymes checked if they develop symptoms suggestive of hepatic dysfunction, such as unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, a rash with eosinophilia, or jaundice and/or dark urine during treatment. Obtain transaminase and bilirubin levels, if not recently available (i.e., within the last 6 months) before treatment initiation. Treatment should be discontinued if significant liver injury is confirmed.

Macular Edema

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Macular Edema.

Macular edema has been reported with the use of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. Care should be exercised when using these drugs in patients with a history of uveitis and patients with diabetes mellitus as these patients are at increased risk for macular edema. Before starting treatment with these agents, an ophthalmic evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, is recommended in all patients and at any time if vision change is reported during treatment. Patients with a history of uveitis and patients with diabetes mellitus should have regular follow-up examinations of the fundus, including the macula during treatment. Continuation of therapy in patients with macular edema has not been evaluated, therefore, a decision on whether or not to discontinue treatment needs to take into account the potential benefits and risks for the individual patients.

Multiple Sclerosis

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Multiple Sclerosis.

Rare cases of severe exacerbation of multiple sclerosis (MS), including disease rebound, have been reported after discontinuation of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator in MS treated patients. The possibility of severe exacerbation of disease should be considered after stopping treatment with these agents. Patients should be observed for a severe increase in disability upon discontinuation and appropriate treatment should be instituted, as required.

Pulmonary Impairment

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Dyspnea has been reported with the use of ponesimod. Dose-dependent reductions in forced expiratory volume over 1 second (FEV1) and reductions in diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide have been observed in patients mostly occurring in the first month after treatment initiation. Use with caution in patients with severe respiratory disease such as pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Spirometric evaluation of respiratory function should be performed during therapy if clinically indicated.

Sleep Apnea

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Sleep Apnea.

The use of ponesimod may result in a transient decrease in heart rate and atrioventricular (AV) conduction delays, especially during treatment initiation. This drug is not recommended in patients with a history of cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular disease (e.g., TIA, stroke occurring more than 6 months prior to treatment initiation), uncontrolled hypertension, or severe untreated sleep apnea, since significant bradycardia may be poorly tolerated in these patients. The use of this drug in patients with a history of recurrent syncope or symptomatic bradycardia should be based on an overall benefit-risk assessment. Obtain an ECG in all patients to determine whether preexisting conduction abnormalities are present and consult a cardiologist if appropriate. Monitor closely patients taking concurrent therapy with drugs that decrease heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and other drugs that may decrease heart rate).

Syncope

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Syncope.

The use of ponesimod may result in a transient decrease in heart rate and atrioventricular (AV) conduction delays, especially during treatment initiation. This drug is not recommended in patients with a history of cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular disease (e.g., TIA, stroke occurring more than 6 months prior to treatment initiation), uncontrolled hypertension, or severe untreated sleep apnea, since significant bradycardia may be poorly tolerated in these patients. The use of this drug in patients with a history of recurrent syncope or symptomatic bradycardia should be based on an overall benefit-risk assessment. Obtain an ECG in all patients to determine whether preexisting conduction abnormalities are present and consult a cardiologist if appropriate. Monitor closely patients taking concurrent therapy with drugs that decrease heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and other drugs that may decrease heart rate).

Uveitis

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Uveitis.

Macular edema has been reported with the use of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. Care should be exercised when using these drugs in patients with a history of uveitis and patients with diabetes mellitus as these patients are at increased risk for macular edema. Before starting treatment with these agents, an ophthalmic evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, is recommended in all patients and at any time if vision change is reported during treatment. Patients with a history of uveitis and patients with diabetes mellitus should have regular follow-up examinations of the fundus, including the macula during treatment. Continuation of therapy in patients with macular edema has not been evaluated, therefore, a decision on whether or not to discontinue treatment needs to take into account the potential benefits and risks for the individual patients.

Vaccination

Moderate:

ponesimod

Ponesimod has a moderate potential interaction with Vaccination.

The use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided while patients are taking ponesimod and for 1 to 2 weeks after stopping treatment. Patients without a healthcare professional documented history of chickenpox or documentation of a full course of vaccination against varicella zoster virus (VZV) should be tested for antibodies to VZV before the start of treatment. A full course of vaccination for antibody-negative patients with varicella vaccine is recommended prior to treatment initiation. Vaccinations may be less effective if administered during treatment and for up to 1 to 2 weeks after treatment discontinuation. It is recommended to postpone treatment with ponesimod for 4 weeks to allow the full effect of vaccination to occur. If live attenuated vaccine immunizations are required, administer at least 1 month prior to initiation of treatment.

More resources

Fematrol

A total of 276 drugs are known to interact with Fematrol.

ponesimod

A total of 722 drugs are known to interact with ponesimod.

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.