Abiraterone Acetate with Vardenafil Interaction Details

Brand Names Associated with Abiraterone Acetate

Brand Names Associated with Vardenafil

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated Feb 25, 2024

Interaction Effect

Increased vardenafil exposure

Interaction Summary

Concomitant use of vardenafil, a CYP3A4 substrate, with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor such as abiraterone, may cause increased vardenafil concentrations[1][2]. Use of the orally disintegrating tablet formulation of vardenafil is not recommended with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as abiraterone [2]. If concomitant use of abiraterone and film-coated vardenafil tablets is indicated, use caution and do not exceed vardenafil 5 mg every 24 hours [1]. Consider increased monitoring for vardenafil adverse events.

Severity

Moderate

Onset

Unspecified

Evidence

Theoretical

How To Manage Interaction

Coadministration of abiraterone and vardenafil may result in increased vardenafil plasma concentrations[1][2]. Use of the orally disintegrating tablet formulation of vardenafil is not recommended with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as abiraterone [2]. If concomitant use of abiraterone and film-coated vardenafil tablets is indicated, use caution and do not exceed vardenafil 5 mg every 24 hours [1]. Consider increased monitoring for vardenafil adverse events.

Mechanism Of Interaction

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated vardenafil metabolism by abiraterone

References

1 ) Product Information: LEVITRA(R) oral tablets, vardenafil HCl oral tablets. GlaxoSmithKline (per FDA), Research Triangle Park, NC, 2013.

2 ) Product Information: STAXYN(R) oral disintegrating tablets, vardenafil HCl oral disintegrating tablets. GlaxoSmithKline (per FDA), Research Triangle Park, NC, 2013.

Abiraterone Acetate Overview

• Abiraterone is used in combination with prednisone to treat a certain type of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Abiraterone is in a class of medications called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones in the body.

Vardenafil Overview

• Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men. Vardenafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Vardenafil does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Vardenafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

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Definitions

Severity Categories

Contraindicated

These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.

Major

This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.

Moderate

This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.

Minor

While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.

Onset

Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.

Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.

Evidence

Level of documentation of the interaction.

Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.

Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.

How To Manage The Interaction

Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.

It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.

Mechanism Of Interaction

The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.

Where Does Our Information Come From?

Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:

• Gold Standard Drug Database
• Micromedex
• Lexicomp
• DrugBank

The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used. 

Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.

The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.