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Drug interactions

Cyclosporin + Etanercept

Severity: Major

Cyclosporin and Etanercept: major interaction.

Last updated

Cyclosporin + Etanercept | MediHelp

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 calcineurin inhibitor with a TNF blocker produces additive immunosuppression and raises the chance of serious bacterial, viral, fungal and opportunistic infections. The combination is sometimes used deliberately in rheumatology, but infection risk is higher.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cyclosporin and Etanercept 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.

Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous; Etanercept belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic immunosuppression through T-cell inhibition by cyclosporine and TNF-alpha blockade by etanercept.

What to do

Use only when clearly justified, with the lowest effective doses, and monitor closely for signs of infection. Screen for latent tuberculosis and hepatitis B before treatment and hold therapy during serious 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cyclosporin with Etanercept?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Etanercept 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 calcineurin inhibitor with a TNF blocker produces additive immunosuppression and raises the chance of serious bacterial, viral, fungal and opportunistic infections. The combination is sometimes used deliberately in rheumatology, but infection risk is higher.

How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Etanercept?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only when clearly justified, with the lowest effective doses, and monitor closely for signs of infection. Screen for latent tuberculosis and hepatitis B before treatment and hold therapy during serious infection.

What other medicines interact with Cyclosporin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclosporin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Aliskiren, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cyclosporin page.

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