Drug interactions
Canakinumab + Infliximab
Severity: Major
Canakinumab and Infliximab: 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 an IL-1 blocker with a TNF blocker raises the risk of serious infections, as seen with similar biologic combinations. The added benefit has not been shown to outweigh this risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Canakinumab and Infliximab 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.
Canakinumab belongs to Miscellaneous; Infliximab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha blockade.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of canakinumab and TNF blockers. If unavoidable, monitor closely for infection and stop at the first sign of serious infection.
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 Infliximab
- Bcg vaccine live + Infliximab Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles vaccine 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 Canakinumab with Infliximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Canakinumab and Infliximab 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 an IL-1 blocker with a TNF blocker raises the risk of serious infections, as seen with similar biologic combinations. The added benefit has not been shown to outweigh this risk.
How serious is the interaction between Canakinumab and Infliximab?
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 of canakinumab and TNF blockers. If unavoidable, monitor closely for infection and stop at the first sign of serious infection.
What other medicines interact with Infliximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Infliximab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine. The full list is on the Infliximab page.
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