Drug Interaction Report

Using telaprevir together with ketoconazole may increase the blood levels and effects of both medications. Increased blood levels of ketoconazole can cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. 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. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or fast or pounding heartbeats. 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.

You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with ketoconazole. Ketoconazole may cause liver damage and using it with alcohol or products containing alcohol may increase that risk. In addition, consumption of alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol during treatment with ketoconazole may trigger a disulfiram-like reaction in some patients, with unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, palpitations, and nausea. Ketoconazole may be taken with or without food. You should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or any supplements that contain grapefruit extract during treatment with ketoconazole unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of ketoconazole. This may increase the risk and/or severity of side effects and liver problems. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms of liver damage during treatment with ketoconazole, such as joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, light colored stools, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 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.