Posted by Sunnely on December 27, 2001, at 22:52:56
In reply to RE: Using Serzone to Raise Levels of Other Meds » Cam W., posted by Rick on December 24, 2001, at 20:12:31
The idea of adding a (cheaper) drug to raise the blood levels and effects of another drug had been entertained in the past. The driving force is mainly costs (Pharmacoeconomics). For example, grapefruit juice, which markedly inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4, had been entertained to be added to cyclosporine, a costly anti-rejection drug. For now, this idea had been dropped due to lack of knowledge as to risks (cyclosporine toxicity) vs. benefits (savings) of the combination. FYI, a depressed patient on Serzone (Prozac and Luvox, to some extent) and cyclosporine may unknowlingly benefit dually from the use of these antidepressants: 1) antidepressant effect and 2) lesser dose of cyclosporine used, therefore, less cost.
poster:Sunnely
thread:87093
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011222/msgs/88000.html