Drug interactions
Canakinumab + Upadacitinib
Severity: Major
Canakinumab and Upadacitinib: 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
Canakinumab blocks IL-1 beta and is linked to serious infections. Adding upadacitinib may increase that risk, and the combination is not well studied.
What this interaction means in plain words
Canakinumab and Upadacitinib 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; Upadacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression via IL-1 beta neutralization and JAK inhibition.
What to do
Avoid combined use. If unavoidable, screen for tuberculosis and monitor for 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 Upadacitinib
- Abrocitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Cyclosporine + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Dengue vaccine + Upadacitinib 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 Upadacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Canakinumab and Upadacitinib 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 blocks IL-1 beta and is linked to serious infections. Adding upadacitinib may increase that risk, and the combination is not well studied.
How serious is the interaction between Canakinumab and Upadacitinib?
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. If unavoidable, screen for tuberculosis and monitor for infection.
What other medicines interact with Upadacitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Upadacitinib with, for example, Abrocitinib, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Baricitinib. The full list is on the Upadacitinib page.
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