Drug interactions
Cytarabine + Tofacitinib
Severity: Major
Cytarabine 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
Cytarabine causes profound myelosuppression, and tofacitinib adds immunosuppression. The risk of severe infection is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cytarabine 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.
Cytarabine belongs to Oncology; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppression and immunosuppression.
What to do
Avoid combination where possible and hold tofacitinib during chemotherapy. Monitor blood counts and 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?
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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
Other interactions of Cytarabine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cytarabine with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cytarabine 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. Cytarabine causes profound myelosuppression, and tofacitinib adds immunosuppression. The risk of severe infection is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Cytarabine 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 combination where possible and hold tofacitinib during chemotherapy. Monitor blood counts and infection.
What other medicines interact with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tofacitinib with, for example, Baricitinib, Cladribine, Upadacitinib. The full list is on the Tofacitinib page.
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