Boceprevir and Methylergonovine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Boceprevir
No brand names on recordMethylergonovine
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.
What happens
An increased risk of acute ergot toxicity (peripheral vasospasm, ischemia of the extremities)
Interaction Deep Dive
Boceprevir is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4/5 isozymes and concomitant use with drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A4/5, such as the ergot alkaloids, may result in increased exposure of these drugs. Due to the potential for acute ergot toxicity, including peripheral vasospasm, ischemia of the extremities and/or other tissues, concomitant use of boceprevir and methylergonovine is contraindicated1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP3A-mediated methylergonovine metabolism
Common questions
Can I take Boceprevir and Methylergonovine together?
An increased risk of acute ergot toxicity (peripheral vasospasm, ischemia of the extremities) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Boceprevir and Methylergonovine interaction?
It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
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 Boceprevir or Methylergonovine 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: VICTRELIS(TM) oral capsules, boceprevir oral capsules. Merck & Co, Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2011.
Keep reading about Boceprevir
Keep reading about Methylergonovine
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