Drug interactions
Baricitinib + Rituximab
Severity: Major
Baricitinib and Rituximab: 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
Combining B-cell depletion with JAK inhibition increases the risk of serious and opportunistic infections. Baricitinib is not recommended with biologic DMARDs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Baricitinib and Rituximab 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.
Baricitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal; Rituximab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression via B-cell depletion and JAK inhibition.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; monitor closely for infection and check lymphocyte and immunoglobulin levels if the agents are used sequentially.
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 Rituximab
Other interactions of Baricitinib
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Baricitinib Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Bcg vaccine live Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Baricitinib Major
- Adalimumab + Baricitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Baricitinib with Rituximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Baricitinib and Rituximab 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. Combining B-cell depletion with JAK inhibition increases the risk of serious and opportunistic infections. Baricitinib is not recommended with biologic DMARDs.
How serious is the interaction between Baricitinib and Rituximab?
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; monitor closely for infection and check lymphocyte and immunoglobulin levels if the agents are used sequentially.
What other medicines interact with Rituximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rituximab with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Certolizumab pegol, Dengue vaccine. The full list is on the Rituximab page.
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