Drug Interaction Report
1 drug interaction and 17 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- levalbuterol
- vemurafenib
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:levalbuterol vemurafenib
Applies to: levalbuterol, vemurafenib
Using levalbuterol together with vemurafenib can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a rare side effect.
You may be more susceptible if you have:
- a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome
- other cardiac diseases
- conduction abnormalities
- electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting)
The risk may exist even when levalbuterol or similar medications are given by oral inhalation directly into the lungs, and more so if these products are overused. Do not exceed the dose and frequency of use recommended on the product label or prescribed by your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these 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.
Food/lifestyle interactions
No alcohol/food interactions were found with the drugs in your list. However, this does not necessarily mean no food interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease interactions
17 potential interactionsApplies to: 16 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Seizures, Arrhythmia, Hypokalemia, and Hyperthyroidism.
Arrhythmia
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Vemurafenib can cause dose dependent QT prolongation which may lead to an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias, including Torsade de Pointes. It is recommended not to start treatment in patients with uncorrectable electrolyte abnormalities, QTc > 500 ms, or long QT syndrome, or in patients who are taking medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval. Evaluate patients prior to and following treatment initiation or after dose modification for QTc prolongation, evaluate ECG and electrolytes (including potassium, magnesium, and calcium) periodically, and thereafter as clinically indicated. Vemurafenib should be withhold in patients who develop QTc > 500 ms. Upon recovery to QTc <= 500 ms, restart at a reduced dose and it should be permanently discontinued if the QTc interval remains > 500 ms and increased > 60 ms from pre-treatment values after controlling cardiac risk factors for QT prolongation (e.g., electrolyte abnormalities, congestive heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias).
Dermatitis, Drug-Induced
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with Dermatitis, Drug-Induced.
Severe dermatologic reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and mild to severe photosensitivity can occur in patients treated with vemurafenib. Consider dose modifications for intolerable >= Grade 2 photosensitivity. It is recommended to advise patients to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen and a suitable lip balm when outdoors while on vemurafenib treatment. Permanently discontinue vemurafenib in patients who experience a severe dermatologic reaction.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:levalbuterol
Levalbuterol has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight, but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Large doses of IV albuterol (not commercially available in the U.S.) and terbutaline sulfate have been reported to cause exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.
Electrolyte Abnormalities
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.
Vemurafenib can cause dose dependent QT prolongation which may lead to an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias, including Torsade de Pointes. It is recommended not to start treatment in patients with uncorrectable electrolyte abnormalities, QTc > 500 ms, or long QT syndrome, or in patients who are taking medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval. Evaluate patients prior to and following treatment initiation or after dose modification for QTc prolongation, evaluate ECG and electrolytes (including potassium, magnesium, and calcium) periodically, and thereafter as clinically indicated. Vemurafenib should be withhold in patients who develop QTc > 500 ms. Upon recovery to QTc <= 500 ms, restart at a reduced dose and it should be permanently discontinued if the QTc interval remains > 500 ms and increased > 60 ms from pre-treatment values after controlling cardiac risk factors for QT prolongation (e.g., electrolyte abnormalities, congestive heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias).
Heart Disease
Moderate:levalbuterol
Levalbuterol has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.
Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
High Blood Pressure
Moderate:levalbuterol
Levalbuterol has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.
Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
History, Skin Cancer
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with History, Skin Cancer.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, and melanoma occurred at a higher incidence in patients receiving vemurafenib. Potential risk factors associated included age (> 65 years), prior skin cancer, and chronic sun exposure. It is recommended to perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiation of therapy and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated. Consider dermatologic monitoring for 6 months following discontinuation of vemurafenib.
Hyperthyroidism
Moderate:levalbuterol
Levalbuterol has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
Hypokalemia
Moderate:levalbuterol
Levalbuterol has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.
Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause decreases in serum potassium concentrations, primarily when given by nebulization or intravenous administration. Although this effect is usually transient and does not require supplementation, clinically significant hypokalemia may occur in some patients, with the potential to induce cardiovascular adverse effects. The relevance of these observations to oral or oral aerosol/powder for inhalation therapy is unknown. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to hypokalemia.
Interstitial Lung Disease
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with Interstitial Lung Disease.
The use of certain multikinase inhibitors has been associated with pulmonary toxicity. Serious cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD), including fatal cases and interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis have been reported. Caution is recommended when using these agents in patients with a history of interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis or those patients presenting with acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and fever pending diagnostic evaluation. If ILD is confirmed, these agents should be permanently discontinued and appropriate measures should be instituted. Treatment should be immediately withheld in patients diagnosed with ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinued if no other potential causes of ILD/pneumonitis have been identified.
Liver Disease
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Liver injury leading to functional hepatic impairment, including coagulopathy or other organ dysfunction may occur with the use of vemurafenib. Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis to evaluate the effect of hepatic impairment, no dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment. The appropriate dose of vemurafenib has not been established in patients with severe hepatic impairment. It is recommended to monitor transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin before initiation of treatment and monthly during treatment, or as clinically indicated; and to manage laboratory abnormalities with dose reduction, treatment interruption, or treatment discontinuation as appropriate.
Pulmonary Impairment
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.
The use of certain multikinase inhibitors has been associated with pulmonary toxicity. Serious cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD), including fatal cases and interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis have been reported. Caution is recommended when using these agents in patients with a history of interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis or those patients presenting with acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and fever pending diagnostic evaluation. If ILD is confirmed, these agents should be permanently discontinued and appropriate measures should be instituted. Treatment should be immediately withheld in patients diagnosed with ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinued if no other potential causes of ILD/pneumonitis have been identified.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:levalbuterol
Levalbuterol has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Levalbuterol is substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Care should be taken in dose selection in patients with renal impairment and it may be useful to monitor renal function.
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Renal failure, including acute interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis may occur with the use of vemurafenib. Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, no dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild and moderate renal impairment. The appropriate dose of vemurafenib has not been established in patients with severe renal impairment. It is recommended to measure serum creatinine before initiation of therapy and periodically during treatment.
Seizures
Moderate:levalbuterol
Levalbuterol has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause CNS stimulation. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with seizure disorders. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.
Skin Cancer
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with Skin Cancer.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, and melanoma occurred at a higher incidence in patients receiving vemurafenib. Potential risk factors associated included age (> 65 years), prior skin cancer, and chronic sun exposure. It is recommended to perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiation of therapy and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated. Consider dermatologic monitoring for 6 months following discontinuation of vemurafenib.
Visual Defect/Disturbance
Moderate:vemurafenib
Vemurafenib has a moderate potential interaction with Visual Defect/Disturbance.
Uveitis, blurry vision, and photophobia can occur in patients treated with vemurafenib. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of uveitis. Care must be exercised when using this agent in patients with ophthalmological complications.
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| 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. | |
| No interaction information available. |
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.