Pitavastatin and Capecitabine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Pitavastatin
Capecitabine
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
Increased exposure of CYP2C9 substrates and an increased risk of CYP2C9 substrates-related adverse effects
Interaction Deep Dive
Coadministration of capecitabine or doxifluridine or fluorouracil (prodrugs of capecitabine) or tegafur (prodrug of fluorouracil) with CYP2C9 substrates may increase CYP2C9 substrates exposure which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates. Closely monitor for adverse reactions of CYP2C9 substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions when used concomitantly with capecitabine or doxifluridine or fluorouracil or tegafur1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP2C9-mediated metabolism of CYP2C9 substrates
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) Concomitant administration of multiple doses of capecitabine (1000 mg/m(2) twice daily for 14 days) increased celecoxib (CYP2D6 substrate) AUC by 28%, Cmax by 24% and Ctrough by 30% 1.
Common questions
Can I take Pitavastatin and Capecitabine together?
Increased exposure of CYP2C9 substrates and an increased risk of CYP2C9 substrates-related adverse effects Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Pitavastatin and Capecitabine 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 Pitavastatin or Capecitabine 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: XELODA(R) oral tablets, capecitabine oral tablets. Genentech USA Inc (per FDA), South San Francisco, CA, 2022. DailyMed
Keep reading about Pitavastatin
Keep reading about Capecitabine
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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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