Drug interactions
Etanercept + Tocilizumab
Severity: Major
Etanercept and Tocilizumab: 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
Combining biologic DMARDs increases the risk of serious infections without clear added benefit. Tocilizumab labeling advises against use with other biologic immunosuppressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etanercept and Tocilizumab 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; Tocilizumab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression via TNF and IL-6 receptor blockade.
What to do
Avoid combining; use a single biologic and monitor for infection when switching agents.
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 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
Other interactions of Tocilizumab
- Bcg vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Rubella vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Smallpox vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etanercept with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etanercept and Tocilizumab 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 biologic DMARDs increases the risk of serious infections without clear added benefit. Tocilizumab labeling advises against use with other biologic immunosuppressants.
How serious is the interaction between Etanercept and Tocilizumab?
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 combining; use a single biologic and monitor for infection when switching agents.
What other medicines interact with Etanercept?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etanercept with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Golimumab, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine. The full list is on the Etanercept page.
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