Drug Interaction Report

Efavirenz may significantly reduce the blood levels of abemaciclib, which may make the medication less effective in treating your cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. 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 efavirenz with food increases the amount of medicine in your body, which may increase the frequency of side effects. You should take efavirenz once a day on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Taking it at bedtime may make some side effects such as dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/or unusual dreams less bothersome. However, these symptoms may be more severe if efavirenz is used with alcohol or mood-altering (street) drugs. You should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. 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.

Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of abemaciclib. This may increase side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, mouth sores, blood clots, hair loss, liver problems, and impaired bone marrow function resulting in low numbers of different types of blood cells. You may also be more likely to develop anemia, bleeding problems, or infections due to low blood cell counts. You should avoid the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with abemaciclib. Be sure to take the medication at approximately the same time everyday to maintain consistent blood levels and effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. 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.