Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Canakinumab
Severity: Moderate
Azathioprine and Canakinumab: 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
Canakinumab blocks interleukin-1 beta and raises the risk of serious infection, which is further increased by azathioprine. Combined use has not been well studied.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Canakinumab 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.
Azathioprine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Canakinumab belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from IL-1 beta blockade and purine antimetabolite activity.
What to do
Monitor for signs of infection and check blood counts regularly. Interrupt canakinumab 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 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
Other interactions of Canakinumab
- Adalimumab + Canakinumab Major
- Anakinra + Canakinumab Major
- Baricitinib + Canakinumab Major
- Basiliximab + Canakinumab Major
- Canakinumab + Etanercept Major
- Canakinumab + Golimumab Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azathioprine with Canakinumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azathioprine and Canakinumab 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. Canakinumab blocks interleukin-1 beta and raises the risk of serious infection, which is further increased by azathioprine. Combined use has not been well studied.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Canakinumab?
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 blood counts regularly. Interrupt canakinumab if a serious infection develops.
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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