Sorafenib with Posaconazole Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Sorafenib
- Nexavar®
- Sorafenib
Brand Names Associated with Posaconazole
- Noxafil PowderMix®
- Noxafil®
- Posaconazole
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Dec 29, 2023
Interaction Effect
Increased sorafenib plasma concentrations and increased risk of QT interval prolongation
Interaction Summary
The metabolism of sorafenib, a CYP3A4 substrate, may be inhibited by concomitant administration of posaconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Increased sorafenib plasma concentrations can lead to QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes. Prolongation of the QT interval and rare cases of torsade de pointes have also been reported in patients receiving posaconazole. Therefore, concomitant use of posaconazole and CYP3A4 substrates that prolong the QT interval is contraindicated .
Severity
Contraindicated
Onset
Unspecified
Evidence
Theoretical
How To Manage Interaction
Concomitant use of posaconazole with CYP3A4 substrates that prolong the QT interval, such as sorafenib, is contraindicated due to the potential for increased sorafenib plasma concentrations, thereby increasing the risk for QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes .
Mechanism Of Interaction
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated sorafenib metabolism by posaconazole and additive effects on QT interval prolongation
Sorafenib Overview
-
Sorafenib is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC; a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys). Sorafenib is also used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) that cannot be treated with surgery and a certain type of thyroid cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be treated with radioactive iodine. Sorafenib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.
Posaconazole Overview
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Posaconazole is used to prevent serious fungal infections that can spread throughout the body in adults and children 2 years of age and older with a weakened ability to fight infection. Posaconazole delayed-release tablets are used to treat invasive aspergillosis (a serious fungal infection that begins in the lungs and spreads through the bloodstream to other organs) in adults and teenagers 13 years of age and older. Posaconazole oral suspension is also used to treat yeast infections of the mouth and throat including yeast infections in adults and teenagers 13 years of age and older that could not be treated successfully with other medications. Posaconazole is in a class of medications called azole antifungals. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.
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Definitions
Severity Categories
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Onset
Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.
Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.
Evidence
Level of documentation of the interaction.
Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.
Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.
How To Manage The Interaction
Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.
It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.
Mechanism Of Interaction
The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:
The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used.
Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.
The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.