Drug Interactions between telaprevir and Verelan PM

You may take verapamil with or without food, but take it the same way every time. You should avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice as much as possible during treatment with verapamil. If you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with verapamil, do not increase or decrease the amounts of these products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels and effects of verapamil. Contact your doctor if you experience sudden, unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; chest pain; or difficulty breathing. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. 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 significantly increases the absorption of telaprevir. Within 30 minutes before you take each dose of telaprevir, you should eat a meal or snack containing approximately 20 grams of fat. Taking it on an empty stomach may lead to inadequate blood levels and reduced effectiveness of the medication. Examples of some foods that could be taken with telaprevir include: bagel with cream cheese; half cup of nuts; 3 tablespoons of peanut butter; 1 cup of ice cream; 2 ounces of American or cheddar cheese; 2 ounces of potato chips; or half cup of trail mix. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have additional questions about how to take telaprevir.

Ask your doctor before using verapamil together with ethanol (alcohol). Verapamil may increase the blood levels and intoxicating effects of ethanol (alcohol). This can cause symptoms of extreme drowsiness, confusion, and nausea. If you experience any of these side effect you should avoid activities requiring mental alertness. 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.

Using verapamil together with multivitamin with minerals can decrease the effects of verapamil. Talk with your doctor before using verapamil and multivitamin with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take 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.