Does Simvastatin Interact with Voclosporin?
Simvastatin and Voclosporin have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. OATP1B1 substrate; voclosporin increases simvastatin acid exposure 3.1-fold (Cmax) and 1.8-fold (AUC). Monitor for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis; limit simvastatin to 20 mg daily. The mechanism involves oatp1b1 inhibition. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Major
- Simvastatin Class
- HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
- Voclosporin Class
- Calcineurin Inhibitor Immunosuppressant
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Simvastatin and Voclosporin occurs because oatp1b1 inhibition. Clinically, this means oatp1b1 substrate; voclosporin increases simvastatin acid exposure 3.1-fold (cmax) and 1.8-fold (auc). monitor for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis; limit simvastatin to 20 mg daily. This is classified as a major interaction, meaning it could cause serious harm if not properly managed. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust dosages, substitute one medication, or increase monitoring frequency.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Simvastatin and your doctor is considering prescribing Voclosporin (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider