Drug Interaction Report

Elvitegravir and Dexamethasone Injection: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Elvitegravir and Dexamethasone Injection interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Dexamethasone Injection

Decadron Dexasone Dexium Dextenza Dexycu Hemady Maxidex Ozurdex
+

Elvitegravir

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
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.

Of 19 documented Elvitegravir interactions, 18 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Decreased elvitegravir concentrations resulting in reduced virologic response and possible viral resistance; increased risk of Cushing syndrome or adrenal suppression

Interaction Deep Dive

Concurrent use of dexamethasone, an inducer of CYP3A41, with elvitegravir, a CYP3A4 substrate, may significantly reduce elvitegravir concentrations and may result in loss of virologic response and the development of antiretroviral resistance. Also, inhibition of dexamethasone metabolism by cobicistat may increase dexamethasone concentrations which may lead to Cushing syndrome or adrenal suppression. Consider an alternative corticosteroid for coadministration with elvitegravir, such as beclomethasone or prednisolone, especially with long-term use 234.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Induction of CYP3A-mediated metabolism of elvitegravir; inhibition of dexamethasone metabolism by cobicistat

Common questions

Can I take Elvitegravir and Dexamethasone Injection together?

Decreased elvitegravir concentrations resulting in reduced virologic response and possible viral resistance; increased risk of Cushing syndrome or adrenal suppression Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Elvitegravir and Dexamethasone Injection 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 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 Elvitegravir or Dexamethasone Injection 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 (4)

  1. Product Information: dexamethasone oral tablets, oral solution, dexamethasone oral tablets, oral solution. Roxane Laboratories, Inc. (per manufacturer), Columbus, OH, 2007. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: STRIBILD(R) oral tablets, elvitegravir cobicistat emtricitabine tenofovir disoproxil fumarate oral tablets. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (per FDA), Foster City, CA, 2017. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: TYBOST(R) oral tablets, cobicistat oral tablets. Gilead Sciences Inc (per FDA), Foster City, CA, 2017. DailyMed
  4. Product Information: GENVOYA(R) oral tablets, elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide oral tablets. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (per manufacturer), Foster City, CA, 2015. DailyMed
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Dexamethasone Injection

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All Dexamethasone Injection interactions (308) Dexamethasone Injection drug information
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Elvitegravir

Keep reading about Elvitegravir

All Elvitegravir interactions (19)
Also serious with: Orlistat Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System Estradiol
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Elvitegravir + Activated Charcoal Calcium Grapefruit St. John's Wort Acacia Rigidula Adrafinil African Wild Potato American Elder + 131 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.