Drug Interaction Report

Using voclosporin together with potassium guaiacolsulfonate may increase potassium levels in the blood. High levels of potassium can develop into a condition known as hyperkalemia, which in severe cases can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. You may be more likely to develop hyperkalemia while using these medications if you are elderly, dehydrated, or have kidney disease, diabetes, or advanced heart failure. Regular or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve) may also increase your risk. It is important that you maintain adequate fluid intake during treatment with these medications, especially if you are using them for prolonged periods. In addition, talk to your doctor to see if you should limit consumption of potassium-rich foods such as tomatoes, raisins, figs, potatoes, lima beans, bananas, plantains, papayas, pears, cantaloupes, mangoes, and potassium-containing salt substitutes. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should seek medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, tingling of the hands and feet, feelings of heaviness in the legs, a weak pulse, or a slow or irregular heartbeat, as these may be symptoms of hyperkalemia. 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 may delay and reduce the absorption of voclosporin, which may lead to lower blood levels of the medication and possibly reduced effectiveness. Voclosporin should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. Also, while taking voclosporin, you should avoid grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Grapefruit can raise the blood levels of voclosporin in your body and lead to increased adverse effects. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Also, if you are taking voclosporin you should avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Taking voclosporin together with these salt substitutes or supplements may cause high levels of potassium in your blood. High levels of potassium can cause weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms. 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.

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of carbetapentane such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with carbetapentane. Do not use more than the recommended dose of carbetapentane, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Both phenylephrine and caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and combining them may enhance these effects. Talk to your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. 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.