Drug interactions
Denosumab + Rituximab
Severity: Moderate
Denosumab and Rituximab: moderate 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
Rituximab depletes B cells and denosumab labeling warns of serious infections, especially in patients on immunosuppressants. Using both may increase the chance of serious infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Denosumab and Rituximab can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Denosumab belongs to Oncology; Rituximab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive infection risk from B-cell depletion and possible immune effects of RANKL inhibition; no pharmacokinetic mechanism.
What to do
Monitor for signs of infection, including skin infections, and treat early. Interrupt denosumab if a serious infection occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Rituximab
Other interactions of Denosumab
- Abatacept + Denosumab Moderate
- Adalimumab + Denosumab Moderate
- Alefacept + Denosumab Moderate
- Alemtuzumab + Denosumab Moderate
- Anakinra + Denosumab Moderate
- Azacitidine + Denosumab Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Denosumab with Rituximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Denosumab and Rituximab can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Rituximab depletes B cells and denosumab labeling warns of serious infections, especially in patients on immunosuppressants. Using both may increase the chance of serious infection.
How serious is the interaction between Denosumab and Rituximab?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of infection, including skin infections, and treat early. Interrupt denosumab if a serious infection occurs.
What other medicines interact with Rituximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rituximab with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Baricitinib, Certolizumab pegol. The full list is on the Rituximab page.
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