Orgovyx (relugolix) is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed to treat advanced prostate cancer in adults. Orgovyx has interactions with some other drugs and certain supplements. Examples include diltiazem, omeprazole, and St. John’s wort.

An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.

Keep reading to learn more about Orgovyx’s interactions. For additional information, including details about its uses, see this overview article on Orgovyx.

Before you start treatment with Orgovyx, 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 Orgovyx interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Orgovyx and other interactions” section.)

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 Orgovyx. Keep in mind that this table doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Orgovyx. See “Drug interactions in depth” for more details about these interactions.

Drug class or drug nameDrug examplesInteraction result with Orgovyx
certain calcium channel blockers (CCBs)diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem)
• felodipine (Plendil)
verapamil (Verelan)
can increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx
certain proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)lansoprazole (Prevacid)
omeprazole (Prilosec)
can increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx
certain antibioticsclarithromycin (Biaxin)
erythromycin (Ery-Tab, Erythrocin)
can increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx
certain seizure medicationscarbamazapine (Tegretol)
• phenytoin (Dilantin)
can make Orgovyx less effective
certain antifungal medicationsketoconazole
• itraconazole (Sporanox)
can increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx
certain drugs for mental health conditions• paroxetine (Paxil)
• sertraline (Zoloft)
can increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx
dexamethasonecan make Orgovyx less effective
amiodaronecan increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx
rifampincan make Orgovyx less effective
tamoxifencan increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx

Sometimes, certain factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Orgovyx due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. A contraindication of Orgovyx includes:

Having had an allergic reaction to Orgovyx or any of its ingredients

If you have had an allergic reaction to Orgovyx or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Orgovyx. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better options for you.

Note:Before you start treatment with Orgovyx, it’s important to tell your doctor if this contraindication applies to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Orgovyx.

There are no known interactions between Orgovyx and alcohol. However, your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit alcohol consumption during Orgovyx treatment.

This is because drinking alcohol while taking the drug may worsen some of Orgovyx’s side effects. For example, you may experience:

In addition, consuming large amounts of alcohol can cause liver damage. Orgovyx may also cause liver damage as a side effect. This means that drinking alcohol during Orgovyx treatment may increase the risk of liver problems.

If you consume alcohol during Orgovyx treatment, these side effects may be more likely to occur. If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Orgovyx, talk with your doctor.

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

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)

CCBs are prescribed to treat high blood pressure. They may also be used to treat irregular heart rhythm and angina (chest pain).

Interaction result:Taking certain CCBs with Orgovyx can increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx.

Interaction explained:Certain CCBs may prevent the body from breaking down Orgovyx as it usually would. Because of this, taking certain CCBs and Orgovyx together can lead to a higher level of Orgovyx in your system. If the level of Orgovyx in your system is too high, you may have an increased risk of side effects from Orgovyx.

Here are some CCBs that may interact with Orgovyx:

  • diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem, Tiazac)
  • verapamil (Verelan)
  • felodipine (Plendil)

Steps you or your doctor may take:Before starting treatment with Orgovyx, be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you’re taking. They can determine whether it’s safe to take these medications together.

If your doctor decides to prescribe Orgovyx while you are taking a CCB, they’ll likely have you take your dose of Orgovyx at least 6 hours before taking your CCB. They’ll monitor you closely for side effects from Orgovyx.

Certain antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections.

Interaction result: Taking certain antibiotics with Orgovyx can increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx.

Interaction explained:Certain antibiotics may prevent the body from breaking down Orgovyx as it usually would. So taking certain antibiotics and Orgovyx together can lead to a higher level of Orgovyx in your system. This may increase the risk of side effects of Orgovyx.

Here are some antibiotics that may interact with Orgovyx:

  • clarithromycin (Biaxin)
  • erythromycin (Ery-Tab, Erythrocin)

Steps you or your doctor may take: Before starting treatment with Orgovyx, be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you take. If you need to take certain antibiotics during Orgovyx treatment and only need them for 2 weeks or less, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Orgovyx during that time.

Certain seizure medications

Seizure medications are prescribed to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders. They may also be used for certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

Interaction result: Taking certain seizure medications with Orgovyx can make Orgovyx less effective.

Interaction explained: Certain seizure medications may cause your body to break down Orgovyx faster than it usually does. This can lead to a low level of Orgovyx in your system. If the level of Orgovyx in your system is too low, the drug may not work as well to treat your prostate cancer.

Here are some seizure drugs that may interact with Orgovyx:

  • carbamazapine (Tegretol)
  • phenytoin (Dilantin)

Steps you or your doctor may take: Before starting treatment with Orgovyx, tell your doctor all the medications you’re taking. If they determine Orgovyx is the best treatment for you while taking a seizure medication, they’ll likely prescribe you a higher dose of Orgovyx.

Orgovyx may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. The following information details some of these interactions. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Orgovyx.

Orgovyx interactions with supplements

Before you start treatment with Orgovyx, 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.

Orgovyx interactions with herbs

Doctors will typically recommend that you avoid taking St. John’s wort with Orgovyx. St. John’s wort is an herbal supplement that some people take to treat depression and other conditions.

St. John’s wort may speed up the activity of an enzyme in your body called cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). This enzyme helps break down Orgovyx.

By speeding up this enzyme, St. John’s wort can cause Orgovyx to break down more quickly. And this may lead to a low level of Orgovyx in your system. If the level of Orgovyx in your system is too low, the drug may not work to treat your prostate cancer.

Your doctor may be able to suggest a treatment option other than St. John’s wort.

Orgovyx interactions with vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Orgovyx. 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 Orgovyx.

Orgovyx interactions with food

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Orgovyx. Specifically, grapefruit products can stop your body from breaking down Orgovyx. This raises the level of Orgovyx in your body, which increases your risk of side effects from Orgovyx. Due to this risk, your doctor may recommend not consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking the drug.

Orgovyx interactions with vaccines

There are no known interactions between Orgovyx and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Orgovyx interactions with lab tests

Orgovyx is not known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

ORGOVYX INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Orgovyx. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Orgovyx. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Orgovyx treatment plan.

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

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Orgovyx. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Orgovyx 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 Orgovyx include:

  • Heart problems: Orgovyx can cause QT prolongation. If you have an existing heart problem, such as long QT syndrome or congestive heart failure, taking Orgovyx may increase your risk of QT prolongation. You may also have a higher risk if you take certain drugs that can also cause QT prolongation. Tell your doctor about any heart problems you have before starting Orgovyx treatment. They may monitor you more closely during treatment or may recommend a different drug for your condition.
  • Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Orgovyx or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Orgovyx. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
  • Breastfeeding: Orgovyx has not been studied in females. It is unknown whether it’s safe to take Orgovyx while breastfeeding. There isn’t enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Orgovyx may have on a child who is breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor about the right treatment options for you. They can also advise ways to feed a child who is breastfed.
  • Pregnancy: Orgovyx has not been studied in pregnant people. So it is unknown if Orgovyx is safe to take while pregnant. Animal studies show that the drug may cause congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss. However, it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always suggest what may happen in humans. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the right treatment options for you.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Orgovyx. 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 listTrusted Source, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Orgovyx label and other paperworkTrusted Source 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 Orgovyx 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 Orgovyx by taking it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

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.