Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir and Prednisone interaction
Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir and Prednisone: both prescribing labels describe an interaction that usually calls for monitoring, a dose change, or spacing the doses.
Usually manageable with monitoring or a dose change. Tell your pharmacist you take both.
What the FDA labels say
From the Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid) label · effective 2026-02-19
Corticosteroids primarily metabolized by CYP3A betamethasone, budesonide, ciclesonide, dexamethasone, fluticasone, methylprednisolone, mometasone, triamcinolone ↑ corticosteroid Co-administration with corticosteroids (all routes of administration) of which exposures are significantly increased by strong CYP3A inhibitors can increase the risk for Cushing’s syndrome…
Alternative corticosteroids including beclomethasone, prednisone, and prednisolone should be considered.
From the Prednisone (Prednisone delayed release) label · effective 2026-04-30
CYP 3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Macrolide Antibiotics) Ketoconazole has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60% leading to increased risk of corticosteroid side effects.
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.