Drug interactions
Antithymocyte globulin equine + Azathioprine
Severity: Major
Antithymocyte globulin equine and Azathioprine: 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
Both drugs cause profound immunosuppression, so combined use raises the risk of serious opportunistic infections, cytopenias and lymphoproliferative disorders. They are sometimes used together deliberately in transplant regimens.
What this interaction means in plain words
Antithymocyte globulin equine and Azathioprine 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.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from T-cell depletion and inhibition of purine synthesis in lymphocytes.
What to do
Use only under transplant or specialist supervision with adjusted azathioprine doses. Monitor blood counts and infection and provide antimicrobial prophylaxis as per protocol.
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 Azathioprine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Azathioprine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Bcg vaccine live Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Febuxostat Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Antithymocyte globulin equine with Azathioprine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Antithymocyte globulin equine and Azathioprine 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. Both drugs cause profound immunosuppression, so combined use raises the risk of serious opportunistic infections, cytopenias and lymphoproliferative disorders. They are sometimes used together deliberately in transplant regimens.
How serious is the interaction between Antithymocyte globulin equine and Azathioprine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only under transplant or specialist supervision with adjusted azathioprine doses. Monitor blood counts and infection and provide antimicrobial prophylaxis as per protocol.
What other medicines interact with Azathioprine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Azathioprine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Febuxostat. The full list is on the Azathioprine page.
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