What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Lenacapavir and rifampin
Lenacapavir's FDA label of August 27, 2026 names rifampin in its drug interactions section, and rifampin's label names lenacapavir too. The lenacapavir label: “Concomitant administration of rifabutin, rifampin and rifapentine may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance. Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with rifampin is contraindicated. …”
Check it at the source: the lenacapavir FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 27, 2026, Gilead Sciences, Inc.); the rifampin FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 11, 2026, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).
What does the lenacapavir label say about rifampin?
Lenacapavir label, drug interactionsConcomitant Drug Class/Drug Name: Antimycobacterials: rifabutin rifampin rifapentine; Effect on Concentration ↑ = Increase, ↓ = Decrease.: ↓ lenacapavir; Clinical Comment: Concomitant administration of rifabutin, rifampin and rifapentine may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance. Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with rifampin is contraindicated [see ]. Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with rifabutin or rifapentine is not recommended.
Source: FDA drug label (Sunlenca), Gilead Sciences, Inc., effective August 27, 2026 (SPL set e5652804-29c4-40d7-aeb2-0142ed2a7b5b), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the rifampin label say about lenacapavir?
Rifampin label, contraindicationsRifampin is contraindicated in patients who are also receiving atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, saquinavir, tipranavir, cabotegravir, fostemsavir and lenacapavir (see prescribing information for SUNLENCA) due to the potential of rifampin to substantially decrease plasma concentrations of these antiviral drugs, which may result in decreased antiviral efficacy and/or development of viral resistance. (See PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions ).
Source: FDA drug label (rifampin), Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., effective February 11, 2026 (SPL set b56004f0-f23d-47f6-80c7-39884fccbccc), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Lenacapavir | Rifampin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | HIV | n/a |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | n/a | $0.679 per capsule 300 mg capsule |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once