Drug Interaction Report

Lomitapide may increase the absorption of the medication from budesonide into the blood stream. In some cases, this can increase side effects such as swelling, weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, muscle weakness, depression, acne, thinning skin, stretch marks, easy bruising, bone density loss, cataracts, menstrual irregularities, excessive growth of facial or body hair, and abnormal distribution of body fat, especially in the face, neck, back, and waist. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Other side effects that may occur include decreased ability to fight infections, increased risk of developing infections, and inadequate response to stress such as infection, surgery, trauma, or a severe asthma attack. Children may experience a reduced growth rate due to excessive effects of budesonide. 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.

Taking lomitapide with food may increase gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, constipation, indigestion, and gas. The absorption of any other oral medication you may take can be affected if you develop diarrhea or vomiting. To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal intolerance, lomitapide should be taken once daily with a glass of water, without food, at least 2 hours after the evening meal. You should also follow a low-fat diet (<20% of total calories from fat) during treatment with lomitapide, and avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Since lomitapide may cause injury to the liver, you should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark colored urine, light colored stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. 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 regular consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking budesonide. Grapefruit can raise the levels of budesonide in your body and lead to increased side effects. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.