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Drug interactions

Epirubicin + Tofacitinib

Severity: Major

Epirubicin 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

Epirubicin causes myelosuppression and immune compromise, and tofacitinib adds further immunosuppression. The combination raises the risk of serious and opportunistic infections and of severe neutropenia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Epirubicin 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.

Epirubicin belongs to Oncology; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic immunosuppression and bone marrow suppression.

What to do

Avoid concurrent use where possible and hold tofacitinib during myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Monitor neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and infection signs if combined.

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 Epirubicin with Tofacitinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Epirubicin 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. Epirubicin causes myelosuppression and immune compromise, and tofacitinib adds further immunosuppression. The combination raises the risk of serious and opportunistic infections and of severe neutropenia.

How serious is the interaction between Epirubicin 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 where possible and hold tofacitinib during myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Monitor neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and infection signs if combined.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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