Drug interactions
Certolizumab pegol + Rituximab
Severity: Major
Certolizumab pegol 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
B-cell depletion combined with TNF inhibition increases the risk of serious infection. Hypogammaglobulinemia from rituximab may further add to the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Certolizumab pegol 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.
Certolizumab pegol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Rituximab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from TNF-alpha blockade and CD20-mediated B-cell depletion.
What to do
Avoid overlapping use where possible. If sequential use is needed, monitor for infection and check immunoglobulin levels.
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 Certolizumab pegol
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Certolizumab pegol Contraindicated
- Bcg intravesical live + Certolizumab pegol Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Certolizumab pegol Contraindicated
- Certolizumab pegol + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Certolizumab pegol + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Certolizumab pegol + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
Other interactions of Rituximab
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Certolizumab pegol with Rituximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Certolizumab pegol 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. B-cell depletion combined with TNF inhibition increases the risk of serious infection. Hypogammaglobulinemia from rituximab may further add to the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Certolizumab pegol 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 overlapping use where possible. If sequential use is needed, monitor for infection and check immunoglobulin levels.
What other medicines interact with Certolizumab pegol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Certolizumab pegol with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg intravesical live, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Certolizumab pegol page.
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