Drug interactions
Celecoxib + Leflunomide
Severity: Minor
Celecoxib and Leflunomide: minor 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
Teriflunomide, the active metabolite of leflunomide, may weakly inhibit CYP2C9 and increase celecoxib levels. Both drugs can also affect liver function and blood counts, and NSAIDs are commonly co-prescribed in rheumatoid arthritis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Celecoxib and Leflunomide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Celecoxib belongs to Musculoskeletal; Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Teriflunomide weakly inhibits CYP2C9, reducing celecoxib clearance.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed; monitor liver enzymes and GI tolerability as part of routine leflunomide follow-up.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Celecoxib
- Celecoxib + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Celecoxib + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Celecoxib Major
- Acemetacin + Celecoxib Major
- Amiloride + Celecoxib Major
- Apixaban + Celecoxib Major
Other interactions of Leflunomide
- Bcg vaccine live + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Celecoxib with Leflunomide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Celecoxib and Leflunomide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Teriflunomide, the active metabolite of leflunomide, may weakly inhibit CYP2C9 and increase celecoxib levels. Both drugs can also affect liver function and blood counts, and NSAIDs are commonly co-prescribed in rheumatoid arthritis.
How serious is the interaction between Celecoxib and Leflunomide?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is usually needed; monitor liver enzymes and GI tolerability as part of routine leflunomide follow-up.
What other medicines interact with Celecoxib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Celecoxib with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Celecoxib page.
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