Skip to content

Drug interactions

Apalutamide + Tofacitinib

Severity: Major

Apalutamide and Tofacitinib: 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

Apalutamide is a strong inducer of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, the enzymes that clear tofacitinib. Exposure to tofacitinib may fall and its therapeutic effect may be reduced.

What this interaction means in plain words

Apalutamide and Tofacitinib 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.

Apalutamide belongs to Endocrine; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Induction of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 increases the metabolism of tofacitinib.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible and choose an alternative. If it cannot be avoided, monitor for loss of tofacitinib efficacy and adjust therapy accordingly.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Apalutamide and Tofacitinib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Apalutamide with Tofacitinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Apalutamide and Tofacitinib 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. Apalutamide is a strong inducer of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, the enzymes that clear tofacitinib. Exposure to tofacitinib may fall and its therapeutic effect may be reduced.

How serious is the interaction between Apalutamide and Tofacitinib?

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 where possible and choose an alternative. If it cannot be avoided, monitor for loss of tofacitinib efficacy and adjust therapy accordingly.

What other medicines interact with Tofacitinib?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Tofacitinib with, for example, Baricitinib, Cladribine, Upadacitinib. The full list is on the Tofacitinib page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in