Interactions of Xofluza: Information on alcohol, supplements, and additional substances to consider
Xofluza, a brand-name drug used to treat and prevent influenza, may interact with certain substances. It is crucial to be aware of these potential interactions to ensure the drug's effectiveness.
Xofluza should not be taken with products containing polyvalent cations such as laxatives, antacids, or oral supplements that include iron, zinc, selenium, calcium, or magnesium. These can decrease the plasma concentration of baloxavir, potentially reducing its effectiveness. This includes certain foods and beverages, notably dairy products and calcium-fortified drinks, which can interfere with baloxavir absorption.
Regarding food, Xofluza can be taken with or without food; there are no reported significant food-drug interactions that affect its efficacy. However, the avoidance of supplements or medications with polyvalent cations is important regardless of food intake.
No specific interactions have been documented with other medications beyond those containing polyvalent cations. Interaction studies with influenza vaccines have not been conducted, but baloxavir treatment does not impair immune antibody response to influenza infection based on available data.
It's important to avoid taking Xofluza with antacids or laxatives that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, as these can also make the drug less effective. Examples include magnesium citrate and milk of magnesia.
In summary, the key interaction concerns with Xofluza are:
- Avoid oral supplements or medications containing polyvalent cations (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium) due to decreased drug absorption.
- Dairy products and calcium-fortified beverages may also reduce drug absorption if taken simultaneously.
- The drug may be taken with or without food without significant interaction.
- No known interactions with vaccines or other medication classes beyond those involving polyvalent cations.
If you'd like to get a flu vaccine around the time of your Xofluza treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the injected flu vaccine (flu shot) instead of the intranasal vaccine. The live flu vaccine (FluMist) may interact with Xofluza, potentially making the vaccine less effective.
Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Xofluza. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Xofluza.
It's recommended to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and other substances you take to avoid potential interactions with Xofluza. More information about interactions can be found in the article linked.
[1] Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) Summary of Product Characteristics. Retrieved from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/xofluza [3] Drug Interaction Profile of Baloxavir Marboxil. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7481311/ [4] Baloxavir Marboxil for the Treatment of Influenza in Adults and Adolescents. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK561265/
- It's important to be aware of potential drug interactions when taking Xofluza, especially with products containing polyvalent cations, such as laxatives, antacids, iron, zinc, selenium, calcium, or magnesium supplements, due to decreased drug absorption.
- Dairy products and calcium-fortified drinks can also interfere with baloxavir absorption, so it's advisable to avoid consuming them simultaneously with Xofluza.
- The effectiveness of Xofluza may be negatively impacted if taken with certain drugs or supplements that contain polyvalent cations, like magnesium citrate and milk of magnesia.
- When considering getting a flu vaccine during Xofluza treatment, it's recommended to discuss the injected flu vaccine (flu shot) with your doctor or pharmacist to avoid potential interactions, as the live flu vaccine (FluMist) may interfere with Xofluza.
