Drug Interaction Report

Topotecan and Encorafenib: Interaction Details

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

Topotecan

Hycamtin Hycamtin®
+

Encorafenib

Braftovi Braftovi®
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 17 documented Topotecan interactions, 1 is rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Moderate

What happens

Increased BCRP substrate exposure and an increased risk of BCRP substrate-related toxicities

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant administration of encorafenib (a BCRP inhibitor) with a BCRP substrate may increase BCRP substrates exposure and may increase risk of BCRP substrate-related toxicities. In a drug interaction study, repeated doses of encorafenib and binimetinib with a single dose of rosuvastatin (a sensitive BCRP substrate) increased rosuvastatin Cmax by 2.7-fold and AUC by 1.6-fold. If encorafenib and a BCRP substrate are used concomitantly, monitor for signs and symptoms of increased substrate exposure and consider adjusting the dose of these substrates1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of BCRP-mediated efflux transport by encorafenib

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 Topotecan and Encorafenib together?

Increased BCRP substrate exposure and an increased risk of BCRP substrate-related toxicities Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Topotecan and Encorafenib 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 Topotecan or Encorafenib 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: BRAFTOVI(R) oral capsules, encorafenib oral capsules. Array BioPharma Inc (per FDA), Boulder, CO, 2024. DailyMed
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Beyond drug–drug

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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.