Deutivacaftor and Abrocitinib: 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
Deutivacaftor
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 abrocitinib (Cibinqo), a medicine for eczema, along with deutivacaftor. Here's what's going on: your body uses a liver enzyme called CYP2C9 to break down abrocitinib. Deutivacaftor can slow that enzyme down. When that happens, abrocitinib may build up a bit more in your body, which could make its effects and side effects stronger.
I want to be honest that this is a theoretical concern, meaning it's based on how these drugs work rather than reports of real problems. The good news is your care team can manage this easily by keeping a closer eye on you and adjusting your dose if needed. Please don't stop either medicine, just talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Effect: Deutivacaftor may inhibit CYP2C9-mediated metabolism of abrocitinib, a partial CYP2C9 substrate, increasing abrocitinib exposure (AUC/Cmax) and potentially amplifying pharmacodynamic effects and adverse events.
- Direction: Increased substrate exposure (deutivacaftor is the inhibitor; abrocitinib is the affected substrate). Neither is acting as a prodrug here.
- Onset: Unspecified.
- Evidence: Theoretical; magnitude not quantified.
- Severity: Major on file.
Management: Exert caution with concomitant use. Monitor for abrocitinib-related toxicity (cytopenias, infection risk, thromboembolic signals). Dose may be individualized by the care team based on tolerability.
What happens
Increased CYP2C9 substrate exposure
Interaction Deep Dive
When deutivacaftor is taken together with a CYP2C9 substrate, use caution, since exposure to CYP2C9 substrates may be raised1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP2C9-mediated metabolism by deutivacaftor
How to manage this interaction
This interaction is manageable with a few sensible steps.
- Keep taking both medicines as prescribed unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Your care team may monitor you more closely for stronger abrocitinib effects or side effects, such as signs of infection, unusual bruising, or feeling unwell.
- Your abrocitinib dose may be adjusted and individualized by your team if needed.
- Tell your pharmacist or prescriber about any new or worsening symptoms, and make sure both prescribers know you take both drugs.
Management is individual — confirm any change with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Common questions
Can I take Deutivacaftor and Abrocitinib together?
Deutivacaftor may raise abrocitinib levels by slowing its breakdown, so watch for stronger side effects and let your care team monitor you and adjust the dose if needed. Keep taking both as prescribed. Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Deutivacaftor and Abrocitinib interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How is the Deutivacaftor and Abrocitinib interaction managed?
This interaction is manageable with a few sensible steps. Keep taking both medicines as prescribed unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Your care team may monitor you more closely for stronger abrocitinib effects or side effects, such as signs of infection, unusual bruising, or feeling unwell. Your abrocitinib dose may be adjusted and individualized by your team if needed. Tell your pharmacist… 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 Deutivacaftor or Abrocitinib 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: ALYFTREK(R) oral tablets, vanzacaftor, tezacaftor, and deutivacaftor oral tablets. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (per FDA), Boston, MA, 2024. DailyMed
Keep reading about Abrocitinib
Keep reading about Deutivacaftor
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