Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Etanercept
Severity: Major
Azathioprine and Etanercept: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Combined use increases the risk of infection and malignancy, including lymphoma. Combination therapy is used selectively where benefit outweighs risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Etanercept 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.
Azathioprine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Etanercept belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from TNF blockade and thiopurine antimetabolite effects.
What to do
Use only when clearly justified, monitor for infection and blood counts, and reassess the need for each agent regularly.
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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References
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 Etanercept
- Bcg vaccine live + Etanercept Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Golimumab Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azathioprine with Etanercept?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azathioprine and Etanercept 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. Combined use increases the risk of infection and malignancy, including lymphoma. Combination therapy is used selectively where benefit outweighs risk.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Etanercept?
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 when clearly justified, monitor for infection and blood counts, and reassess the need for each agent regularly.
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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