Abametapir and Vinorelbine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · AI content regenerated Jul 11, 2026 · Source data updated Jun 30, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Abametapir
No brand names on recordVinorelbine
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
Abametapir is a lotion used to treat head lice. Even though it's applied to your scalp, some of it gets into your body and can slow down an enzyme (called CYP3A4) that your body uses to break down other medicines. Vinorelbine (Navelbine) is a chemotherapy drug that this same enzyme helps clear out.
If you use them close together, vinorelbine may build up higher than expected, which could make its side effects (like low blood counts, nausea, or nerve problems) stronger. The good news is your care team can plan around this by spacing out the timing. Please talk with your oncologist or pharmacist before using both.
Effect: Abametapir inhibits CYP3A4, reducing metabolism of the CYP3A4 substrate vinorelbine and increasing its systemic exposure (higher AUC/Cmax), with potential for enhanced toxicity (myelosuppression, GI, neuropathy).
- Direction: increased vinorelbine effect/toxicity (neither drug is a prodrug here).
- Onset: rapid; enzyme inhibition may persist, so caution is advised for ~2 weeks post-application.
- Evidence: theoretical; magnitude not quantified.
- Management: Avoid CYP3A4 substrates for 2 weeks after abametapir application. If concomitant vinorelbine is required, avoid abametapir and consider alternative lice therapy.
What happens
Increased exposure of CYP3A4 substrate
Interaction Deep Dive
For a period of 2 weeks following the application of abametapir, refrain from using CYP3A4 substrates. Should this not be possible, abametapir should not be used1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism by abametapir
How to manage this interaction
Both drugs can usually be handled safely with good timing and communication.
- Keep taking your prescribed chemotherapy and do not stop anything on your own.
- The standard approach is to avoid the CYP3A4 substrate (vinorelbine) for about 2 weeks after abametapir is applied, since abametapir's enzyme-blocking effect lingers.
- If your vinorelbine treatment can't be delayed, your team may choose a different head lice treatment instead of abametapir.
- Tell your oncologist and pharmacist before using any lice product so they can adjust timing or watch you more closely.
Management is individual — confirm any change with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Common questions
Can I take Abametapir and Vinorelbine together?
Abametapir can raise vinorelbine levels by blocking CYP3A4, so avoid vinorelbine for about 2 weeks after using abametapir, or use a different lice treatment. Check with your oncologist or pharmacist first. Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Abametapir and Vinorelbine interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How is the Abametapir and Vinorelbine interaction managed?
Both drugs can usually be handled safely with good timing and communication. Keep taking your prescribed chemotherapy and do not stop anything on your own. The standard approach is to avoid the CYP3A4 substrate (vinorelbine) for about 2 weeks after abametapir is applied, since abametapir's enzyme-blocking effect lingers. If your vinorelbine treatment can't be delayed, your team may choose a differ… Management is individual — always follow your own care team's guidance.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Abametapir or Vinorelbine need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: XEGLYZE(TM) topical lotion, abametapir topical lotion. Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Inc (per FDA), Princeton, NJ, 2020. DailyMed
Keep reading about Abametapir
Keep reading about Vinorelbine
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