Drug interactions
Etanercept + Infliximab
Severity: Major
Etanercept and Infliximab: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 two TNF inhibitors has not shown better efficacy and was associated with more serious infections and neutropenia with etanercept combinations. The combination is not recommended.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etanercept and Infliximab 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.
Etanercept belongs to Musculoskeletal; Infliximab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive TNF-alpha blockade leading to excessive immunosuppression.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; choose a single TNF blocker or switch to another class.
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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References
Other interactions of Infliximab
- Bcg vaccine live + Infliximab Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Infliximab + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Etanercept
- Bcg vaccine live + Etanercept Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Golimumab Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Etanercept + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etanercept with Infliximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etanercept and Infliximab 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 two TNF inhibitors has not shown better efficacy and was associated with more serious infections and neutropenia with etanercept combinations. The combination is not recommended.
How serious is the interaction between Etanercept and Infliximab?
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 a single TNF blocker or switch to another class.
What other medicines interact with Infliximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Infliximab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine. The full list is on the Infliximab page.
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