Drug interactions
Certolizumab pegol + Tocilizumab
Severity: Major
Certolizumab pegol 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
Combining a TNF inhibitor with an IL-6 receptor blocker increases the risk of serious infection without a proven efficacy advantage. Tocilizumab may also mask fever and CRP responses to infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Certolizumab pegol 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.
Certolizumab pegol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tocilizumab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression through TNF-alpha and IL-6 receptor blockade.
What to do
Avoid combined use of biologic DMARDs. Monitor for infection closely, recognizing that CRP may be suppressed by tocilizumab.
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 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Certolizumab pegol with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Certolizumab pegol 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. Combining a TNF inhibitor with an IL-6 receptor blocker increases the risk of serious infection without a proven efficacy advantage. Tocilizumab may also mask fever and CRP responses to infection.
How serious is the interaction between Certolizumab pegol 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 of biologic DMARDs. Monitor for infection closely, recognizing that CRP may be suppressed by tocilizumab.
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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