Drug interactions
Certolizumab pegol + Tofacitinib
Severity: Major
Certolizumab pegol and Tofacitinib: 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
Tofacitinib is not recommended with biologic DMARDs because additive immunosuppression raises the risk of serious infections. Both carry warnings for tuberculosis and opportunistic infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Certolizumab pegol and Tofacitinib 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; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from JAK inhibition and TNF-alpha blockade.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; choose one agent. Monitor for infection and screen for latent TB when switching.
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 Tofacitinib
- Baricitinib + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Cladribine + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Tofacitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Tofacitinib Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Tofacitinib Major
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Tofacitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Certolizumab pegol with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Certolizumab pegol and Tofacitinib 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. Tofacitinib is not recommended with biologic DMARDs because additive immunosuppression raises the risk of serious infections. Both carry warnings for tuberculosis and opportunistic infection.
How serious is the interaction between Certolizumab pegol and Tofacitinib?
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; choose one agent. Monitor for infection and screen for latent TB when switching.
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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