Abrocitinib and Tenofovir Alafenamide: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · AI content regenerated Jul 11, 2026 · Source data updated Jul 10, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Abrocitinib
Tenofovir Alafenamide
No brand names on record
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.
You've been prescribed two medicines that can interact: abrocitinib (Cibinqo), which is used for eczema, and tenofovir alafenamide, an antiviral often found in HIV or hepatitis B combination pills.
Abrocitinib can block a transporter (a kind of "pump") that normally helps move tenofovir out of your body. When that pump is slowed, a bit more tenofovir can build up. That could mean a slightly higher chance of side effects from the tenofovir. The good news is this is based on theory, not on strong real-world reports, and it's rated moderate. Your care team can manage it easily by keeping an eye on how you're doing. Please don't stop either medicine on your own, just mention this to your pharmacist or doctor.
Mechanism: Abrocitinib inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp); tenofovir alafenamide is a P-gp substrate. Inhibiting P-gp-mediated efflux may increase TAF exposure (AUC/Cmax).
Direction: Increased tenofovir alafenamide exposure, raising the risk of TAF-related adverse effects (renal, bone-related considerations).
- Evidence: Theoretical; magnitude not quantified.
- Onset: Unspecified.
- Severity: Moderate.
Management: No fixed dose change is mandated. Dosing may be individualized and patients monitored more closely for TAF-related adverse reactions during coadministration. Confirm concomitant use and consider clinical/lab follow-up per the care team.
What happens
Increased tenofovir alafenamide exposure and an increased risk of tenofovir alafenamide-related adverse effects
Interaction Deep Dive
When tenofovir alafenamide (a P-gp substrate), or combination products that contain tenofovir alafenamide, are given together with P-gp inhibitors, exposure to tenofovir alafenamide may rise, potentially heightening the risk of adverse reactions associated with tenofovir alafenamide123.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of P-gp-mediated efflux transport of tenofovir alafenamide
How to manage this interaction
Keep taking both medicines as prescribed unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. This interaction is manageable.
- Let your pharmacist and doctor know you take both abrocitinib and a tenofovir alafenamide product (including combination pills).
- Your care team may watch you a little more closely for any tenofovir-related side effects, and your treatment can be individualized if needed.
- Report new or unusual symptoms so your team can review them.
Because this concern is based on how the drugs work rather than strong real-world data, the main step is awareness and routine follow-up.
Management is individual — confirm any change with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Common questions
Can I take Abrocitinib and Tenofovir Alafenamide together?
Abrocitinib may raise tenofovir alafenamide levels by blocking a transporter, which could slightly increase side-effect risk. Keep taking both as prescribed and let your care team know so they can monitor you. Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Abrocitinib and Tenofovir Alafenamide interaction?
It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How is the Abrocitinib and Tenofovir Alafenamide interaction managed?
Keep taking both medicines as prescribed unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. This interaction is manageable. Let your pharmacist and doctor know you take both abrocitinib and a tenofovir alafenamide product (including combination pills). Your care team may watch you a little more closely for any tenofovir-related side effects, and your treatment can be individualized if needed. Report new… 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 Abrocitinib or Tenofovir Alafenamide 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 anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?
References (3)
- Product Information: SYMTUZA(R) oral tablets, darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide oral tablets. Janssen Products, LP (per FDA), Horsham, PA, 2023. DailyMed
- Product Information: BIKTARVY(R) oral tablets, bictegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide oral tablets. Gilead Sciences Inc (per FDA), Foster City, CA, 2024. DailyMed
- Product Information: DESCOVY(R) oral tablets, emtricitabine tenofovir alafenamide oral tablets. Gilead Sciences Inc (per FDA), Foster City, CA, 2025. DailyMed
Keep reading about Abrocitinib
Keep reading about Tenofovir Alafenamide
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