Drug Interaction Report

Encorafenib and Sunitinib: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Encorafenib and Sunitinib 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

Sunitinib

Sutent Sutent®
+

Encorafenib

Braftovi Braftovi®
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 468 documented Encorafenib interactions, 392 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

Altered (increased or reduced) SUNItinib exposure; an increased risk of SUNItinib-related toxicities; reduced efficacy of SUNItinib

Interaction Deep Dive

Avoid the coadministration of encorafenib (BCRP inhibitor) with SUNItinib (a substrate of CYP3A4 and BCRP) as it may alter (increase or reduce) SUNItinib exposure and may also increase risk of SUNItinib-related toxicities. If coadministered, monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of increased exposure and consider adjusting the dose of SUNItinib. Concomitant use may also reduce efficacy of SUNItinib. In a drug interaction study, repeated doses of encorafenib 450 mg once daily and binimetinib 45 mg twice daily with a single dose of rosuvastatin (a sensitive substrate of BCRP) increased rosuvastatin Cmax by 2.7-fold and AUC by 1.6-fold1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of BCRP-mediated efflux transport by encorafenib; induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of SUNItinib

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) In a drug interaction study, repeated doses of encorafenib 450 mg once daily and binimetinib 45 mg twice daily with a single dose of rosuvastatin (a sensitive substrate of BCRP) increased rosuvastatin Cmax by 2.7-fold and AUC by 1.6-fold 1.

Common questions

Can I take Encorafenib and Sunitinib together?

Altered (increased or reduced) SUNItinib exposure; an increased risk of SUNItinib-related toxicities; reduced efficacy of SUNItinib Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Encorafenib and Sunitinib 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 Encorafenib or Sunitinib 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)

  1. Product Information: BRAFTOVI(R) oral capsules, encorafenib oral capsules. Array BioPharma Inc (per FDA), Boulder, CO, 2024. DailyMed
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Sunitinib

Keep reading about Sunitinib

All Sunitinib interactions (87) Sunitinib drug information
Also serious with: Ketoconazole Topical Colchicine Ofloxacin Oxaliplatin Injection
Encorafenib

Keep reading about Encorafenib

All Encorafenib interactions (468) Encorafenib drug information
Also serious with: Piperaquine Posaconazole Pimozide Doravirine
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:

Sunitinib + Activated Charcoal Grapefruit St. John's Wort Acacia Rigidula Adrafinil African Wild Potato American Elder Astaxanthin + 130 more
Encorafenib + Activated Charcoal American Hellebore Arsenic Cesium Ephedra Grapefruit Sida Cordifolia St. John's Wort + 143 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.