Drug interactions
Basiliximab + Tocilizumab
Severity: Major
Basiliximab and Tocilizumab: 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
Tocilizumab blocks IL-6 signalling and basiliximab blocks the IL-2 receptor on T cells, so together they deepen immunosuppression. This raises the risk of serious bacterial, viral and opportunistic infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Basiliximab and Tocilizumab 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.
Basiliximab belongs to Miscellaneous; Tocilizumab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic immunosuppression via IL-6 receptor and IL-2 receptor blockade.
What to do
Avoid combined use unless specialist transplant care judges it essential. If used, monitor closely for infection and consider prophylaxis 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 Tocilizumab
- Bcg vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Rubella vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Smallpox vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
Other interactions of Basiliximab
- Basiliximab + Bcg vaccine live Contraindicated
- Basiliximab + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Basiliximab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Basiliximab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Basiliximab + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Basiliximab + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Basiliximab with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Basiliximab and Tocilizumab 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. Tocilizumab blocks IL-6 signalling and basiliximab blocks the IL-2 receptor on T cells, so together they deepen immunosuppression. This raises the risk of serious bacterial, viral and opportunistic infections.
How serious is the interaction between Basiliximab and Tocilizumab?
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 combined use unless specialist transplant care judges it essential. If used, monitor closely for infection and consider prophylaxis per protocol.
What other medicines interact with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tocilizumab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Tocilizumab page.
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