Drug interactions
Anakinra + Mercaptopurine
Severity: Moderate
Anakinra and Mercaptopurine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Both drugs suppress immune function, so combined use may increase infection risk. Anakinra is used with some other immunosuppressants, but its label advises against combination with TNF blockers, and data with thiopurines are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Anakinra and Mercaptopurine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Anakinra belongs to Musculoskeletal; Mercaptopurine belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression via interleukin-1 receptor blockade and thiopurine antimetabolite effects on lymphocytes.
What to do
Monitor for signs of infection and check neutrophil counts regularly. Interrupt anakinra if a serious infection develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Mercaptopurine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Febuxostat + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Mercaptopurine + Smallpox vaccine live 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 Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Anakinra and Mercaptopurine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both drugs suppress immune function, so combined use may increase infection risk. Anakinra is used with some other immunosuppressants, but its label advises against combination with TNF blockers, and data with thiopurines are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Anakinra and Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of infection and check neutrophil counts regularly. Interrupt anakinra if a serious infection develops.
What other medicines interact with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mercaptopurine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Azathioprine, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Mercaptopurine page.
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