Drug interactions
Anakinra + Infliximab
Severity: Major
Anakinra and Infliximab: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Anakinra added to a TNF blocker increased serious infections and neutropenia in trials without improving efficacy. The combination is not recommended.
What this interaction means in plain words
Anakinra and Infliximab can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Anakinra belongs to Musculoskeletal; Infliximab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from combined TNF-alpha and IL-1 receptor blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination; use a single biologic and consider an alternative agent if control is inadequate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Infliximab
- Bcg vaccine live + Infliximab Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Anakinra
- Anakinra + Bcg vaccine live Contraindicated
- Anakinra + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Anakinra + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Anakinra + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Anakinra + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Anakinra Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Anakinra with Infliximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Anakinra and Infliximab can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Anakinra added to a TNF blocker increased serious infections and neutropenia in trials without improving efficacy. The combination is not recommended.
How serious is the interaction between Anakinra and Infliximab?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination; use a single biologic and consider an alternative agent if control is inadequate.
What other medicines interact with Infliximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Infliximab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine. The full list is on the Infliximab page.
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