Drug interactions
Anakinra + Ustekinumab
Severity: Major
Anakinra and Ustekinumab: major 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
Ustekinumab blocks IL-12/23 and anakinra blocks IL-1 receptor signalling. Combining biologics raises the risk of serious infection without established added benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Anakinra and Ustekinumab 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; Ustekinumab belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression through dual cytokine pathway blockade.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use. Use a single biologic and monitor for infection if overlap occurs.
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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Other interactions of Ustekinumab
- Bcg vaccine live + Ustekinumab Contraindicated
- Typhoid vaccine live + Ustekinumab Contraindicated
- Adalimumab + Ustekinumab Major
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Ustekinumab Major
- Alefacept + Ustekinumab Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Ustekinumab Major
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 Ustekinumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Anakinra and Ustekinumab 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. Ustekinumab blocks IL-12/23 and anakinra blocks IL-1 receptor signalling. Combining biologics raises the risk of serious infection without established added benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Anakinra and Ustekinumab?
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 concurrent use. Use a single biologic and monitor for infection if overlap occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ustekinumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ustekinumab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Typhoid vaccine live, Adalimumab. The full list is on the Ustekinumab page.
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