Drug Interaction Report

Obeticholic Acid and Pomalidomide: Interaction Details

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

Pomalidomide

Pomalyst Pomalyst®
+

Obeticholic Acid

Ocaliva Ocaliva®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Aug 8, 2026
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Interaction severity
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with 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 25 documented Obeticholic Acid interactions, 10 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Moderate

What happens

Increased exposure to CYP1A2 substrate

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of obeticholic acid and CYP1A2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index may increase exposure of the CYP1A2 substrate. When a single 200-mg dose of caffeine (a CYP1A2 substrate) was administered with obeticholic acid 10 mg once daily, the AUC of caffeine increased 42%. If coadministration is necessary, monitor CYP1A2 substrate concentrations1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated metabolism by obeticholic acid

Common questions

Can I take Obeticholic Acid and Pomalidomide together?

Increased exposure to CYP1A2 substrate Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Obeticholic Acid and Pomalidomide 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 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 Obeticholic Acid or Pomalidomide 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 (1)

  1. Product Information: OCALIVA oral tablets, obeticholic acid oral tablets. Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (per manufacturer), New York, NY, 2016.
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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:

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.