Cannabis - Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) Interaction

Interaction Details

Sofosbuvir is classified as belonging to the following category: P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, cannabis might alter levels of drugs that are substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp).
Most in vitro research suggests that constituents of cannabis, including cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can inhibit P-gp and increase the accumulation of probe compounds by reducing P-gp mediated drug efflux. In vitro studies in kidney cell lines show that a 1-hour exposure to CBD and THC inhibits P-gp. Cannabis may also alter the expression of P-gp, although this effect appears to vary based on duration of exposure. Some in vitro research in lymphoblastoid leukemia cell lines indicates that a 1-hour exposure to cannabinoids does not affect P-gp expression, while a prolonged 72-hour exposure decreases P-gp expression. Other in vitro research in these cell lines shows that a 4-hour exposure to THC and CBD induces P-gp gene expression, while exposure for longer than 4 hours and up to 48 hours does not induce P-gp gene expression.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

References

• Zhu, H. J., Wang, J. S., Markowitz, J. S., Donovan, J. L., Gibson, B. B., Gefroh, H. A., and Devane, C. L. Characterization of P-glycoprotein inhibition by major cannabinoids from marijuana. J Pharmacol Exp.Ther. 2006;317(2):850-857.
• Holland, M. L., Panetta, J. A., Hoskins, J. M., Bebawy, M., Roufogalis, B. D., Allen, J. D., and Arnold, J. C. The effects of cannabinoids on P-glycoprotein transport and expression in multidrug resistant cells. Biochem.Pharmacol 4-14-2006;71(8):1146-115
• Tournier N, Lucie Chevillard L, Megarbane B, et al. Interaction of drugs of abuse and maintenance treatments with human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2). Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2010;13(7):905-15.
• Arnold JC, Hone P, Holland ML, Allen JD. CB2 and TRPV1 receptors mediate cannabinoid actions on MDR1 expression in multidrug resistant cells. Pharmacol Rep. 2012;64(3):751-7.

Sofosbuvir Overview

• Sofosbuvir is used along with ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere, others) and sometimes another medication (peginterferon alfa [Pegasys]) to treat certain types of chronic hepatitis C (an ongoing viral infection that damages the liver) in adults. Sofosbuvir is also used along with ribavirin to treat certain types of chronic hepatitis C (an ongoing viral infection that damages the liver) in children 3 years of age and older. Sofosbuvir is in a class of antiviral medications called nucleotide polymerase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the body. Sofosbuvir may not prevent the spread of hepatitis C to other people.

Cannabis - More Interactions

Cannabis interacts with 1054 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

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