Sprycel interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors

Before you start treatment with Sprycel, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Sprycel interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Sprycel and other interactions” section below.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Here’s a table of drugs that can interact with Sprycel. Keep in mind that this table doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Sprycel. Some of these interactions are described in detail just below in “Drug interactions in depth.”

* For details about this interaction, see the “Drug interactions in depth” section below.
† Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) supplements can be used as antacids. To learn more about this interaction, see the “Sprycel and other interactions” section below.
‡ For details about Sprycel’s side effects, see this article.

There aren’t any known interactions between Sprycel and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol while taking the drug may worsen some of Sprycel’s side effects. For example, you may have worsened headache, fatigue, or nausea.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Sprycel, talk with your doctor. To learn more about the side effects of Sprycel, see this article.

Here’s a closer look at certain drug interactions of Sprycel.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are taken to relieve inflammation, fever, and pain. Certain NSAIDs are available over the counter (OTC), meaning you don’t need a prescription to purchase them.

Interaction result: Taking Sprycel with an NSAID can increase your risk of bleeding as a side effect of either drug.

Interaction explained: When taken individually, Sprycel and NSAIDs can cause bleeding as a side effect. The risk of bleeding may be even greater when these medications are taken together.

Examples of NSAIDs: Here are some NSAIDs that may interact with Sprycel:

• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• meloxicam
• diclofenac (Cambia, Zipsor, other)
• celecoxib (Celebrex, Elyxyb)
• aspirin

Steps you or your doctor may take: Before starting Sprycel treatment, tell your doctor if you take an NSAID. They can tell you whether it’s safe to take these medications together.

Before taking any OTC product with Sprycel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you if the OTC product contains an NSAID and whether it’s safe to take with this drug.

If you take Sprycel with an NSAID, watch for symptoms of bleeding. Examples include nosebleeds, bloody stool, and bloody urine. If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. They’ll advise you on how to manage this side effect.

To learn more about Sprycel and NSAIDs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Antacids

Antacids are taken to ease symptoms of conditions such as heartburn and indigestion. They’re available OTC, meaning you don’t need a prescription to purchase them.

Interaction result: Taking Sprycel with antacids could make Sprycel less effective.

Interaction explained: Antacids may affect your body’s ability to absorb Sprycel. Taking Sprycel with an antacid may lead to a lower level of Sprycel in your system, making the drug less effective for your condition.

Examples of antacid drugs: Here are some antacids that may interact with Sprycel:

• calcium carbonate (TUMS)
• aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox)
• calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids)

Steps you or your doctor may take: Your doctor can recommend when it’s safe to take antacids during Sprycel treatment. They’ll likely advise you to take antacids at least 2 hours before or after taking Sprycel. Separating these treatments may help prevent antacids from affecting Sprycel.

To learn more about Sprycel and antacids, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Certain antidepressants

Antidepressants are prescribed for mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.

Interaction result: Taking Sprycel with certain antidepressants can increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm as a side effect of either drug.

Interaction explained: Sprycel and certain antidepressants may cause irregular heart rhythm when taken individually. This includes long QT syndrome, which may lead to a life threatening condition called torsades de pointes. Taking these medications together further increases this risk.

Examples of antidepressant drugs: Here are some antidepressants that may interact with Sprycel:

• citalopram (Celexa)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• sertraline (Zoloft)
• venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

Steps you or your doctor may take:Before starting Sprycel treatment, tell your doctor if you take any antidepressants. They can advise you on whether it’s safe to take these medications together.

If your doctor prescribes Sprycel with an antidepressant it interacts with, they may occasionally use an EKG to check your heart rhythm. They’ll instruct you on how to manage an irregular heart rhythm if it happens.

To learn more about Sprycel and antidepressants, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Sprycel may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Sprycel.

Sprycel interactions with supplements

Sprycel may interact with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) supplements, which can be used as antacids. Taking Sprycel with sodium bicarbonate supplements could make Sprycel less effective.

Your doctor can provide guidance on the safe use of sodium bicarbonate supplements during Sprycel treatment. They’ll likely advise you to take sodium bicarbonate at least 2 hours before or after taking Sprycel. Doing so can help prevent these supplements from affecting Sprycel.

Before you start treatment with Sprycel, tell your doctor and pharmacist which supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Sprycel interactions with herbs

Sprycel may interact with St. John’s wort. This herbal supplement may be used for mood support.

St. John’s wort may speed up the activity of an enzyme (protein) in your body that helps break down Sprycel. Taking Sprycel with St. John’s wort may lead to a low level of Sprycel in your system. If the drug level is too low, Sprycel may not work as well to treat your condition.

Your doctor can suggest a treatment option other than St. John’s wort.

Sprycel and vitamins

There are no reports of vitamins interacting with Sprycel. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Sprycel.

Sprycel interactions with food

Sprycel may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. These products can slow the breakdown of Sprycel in your body. This may lead to high levels of Sprycel in your system and increase your risk of side effects from the drug. Due to this risk, your doctor may advise you to avoid grapefruit products while taking Sprycel.

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) may be used in foods, such as baked goods. Although sodium bicarbonate supplements may interact with Sprycel, the quantity of baking soda in food would be much less than what’s in a sodium bicarbonate supplement.

If you’d like to learn more about foods to avoid with Sprycel, talk with your doctor. For details about Sprycel’s side effects, see this article.

Sprycel interactions with vaccines

Sprycel has been reported to interact with vaccines for cholera (Vaxchora) and COVID-19 (Comirnaty, Spikevax).

These vaccines work by preparing your immune system to fight off a specific bacterium or virus. However, your immune system may be weakened during Sprycel treatment. If you receive these vaccines while taking Sprycel, they may not work as well.

Before starting Sprycel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any vaccines you may need. If you need a vaccine for cholera or COVID-19, they may give you the vaccine before you start Sprycel treatment. Your doctor can also tell you whether it’s safe to receive any other vaccines while you’re taking Sprycel.

Sprycel and lab tests

Sprycel isn’t known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

SPRYCEL INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have been reported to interact with Sprycel. Taking Sprycel with cannabis products may raise the level of Spryceo in your body, increasing your risk of side effects from Sprycel.

Before you start treatment with Sprycel, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many U.S. states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Sprycel. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Sprycel may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Sprycel include:

• Liver problems: Before taking Sprycel, tell your doctor if you have a liver problem such as liver failure. In rare cases, the drug may cause liver damage as a side effect. This risk may be greater for people who already have a liver problem. Your doctor can recommend whether Sprycel is a safe treatment option.
• Heart-related problems: Before starting Sprycel treatment, tell your doctor if you have a heart-related problem. Examples include long QT syndrome, low magnesium levels, and low potassium levels. These factors could increase your risk of heart problems as a side effect of Sprycel. Your doctor can recommend whether Sprycel is a safe treatment option.
• Lactose intolerance: If you have lactose intolerance, talk with your doctor before taking Sprycel. The drug contains lactose, so taking Sprycel could cause symptoms of lactose intolerance. Your doctor can recommend whether Sprycel is the right treatment option.
• Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Sprycel or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Sprycel. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
• Breastfeeding: It’s not known whether Sprycel passes into breast milk or if the drug causes side effects in a child who is breastfed. To be safe, your doctor is likely to recommend that you avoid breastfeeding while taking Sprycel and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Sprycel. They can talk with you about treatment options and ways to feed your child.
• Pregnancy: It’s likely not safe to take Spycel while pregnant. The drug may cause congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects). To be safe, your doctor may advise you to use birth control while taking Sprycel and for at least 30 days after your last dose. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Sprycel. They can advise you on the right treatment plan.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sprycel and possible interactions.

Is it safe to take Sprycel and Tylenol together?

Yes, it’s likely safe to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) with Sprycel. These medications have not been reported to interact with each other. However, Tylenol can potentially increase the risks for liver issues. Your doctor will determine if this is a safe medication combination for you.

Tylenol is used to treat pain and fever. It’s available over the counter (OTC), meaning you don’t need a prescription to purchase it.

Before taking Tylenol or any OTC medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on whether the medication is safe to take with Sprycel.

Is there an interaction between Sprycel and sun exposure?

It’s rare but possible.

Sprycel may cause photosensitivity as a side effect. With this condition, your skin may react unusually to sunlight and other sources of UV radiation. This can lead to symptoms such as sunburn, skin rash, or blistering.

For this reason, your doctor may advise you to limit sun exposure while you’re taking Sprycel. They may also recommend taking certain measures when in sunlight, such as:

• wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeve clothing
• using a broad-spectrum sunscreen
• taking cover in shaded areas

If you have other questions about Sprycel and sun exposure, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there any Sprycel contraindications?

No, Sprycel has no known contraindications. These are factors or conditions that could prevent your doctor from prescribing the drug due to the risk of harm.

However, certain conditions or other factors could increase the risk of interactions with Sprycel. To learn more about this, see the “Sprycel and health-related interactions” section above.

If you have other questions about Sprycel and contraindications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Sprycel. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

• Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
• Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
• Create a medication list, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Sprycel label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Sprycel doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with Sprycel by taking it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Besides learning about interactions, you may want to find out more about Sprycel. These resources might help:

• Overview of Sprycel: For a general overview of Sprycel, you can see this article.
• Side effects: If you’re interested in the side effects of Sprycel, see this article. Another option is to refer to the Sprycel prescribing information.
• Dosage specifics: To learn about the dosage of Sprycel, see this article.
• Facts about your condition: To learn more about leukemia, see our leukemia hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.