Drug interactions
Etanercept + Tofacitinib
Severity: Major
Etanercept 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
Tofacitinib labeling does not recommend use with biologic DMARDs because of the risk of serious infection. The combination provides overlapping immunosuppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etanercept 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.
Etanercept belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression via JAK inhibition and TNF blockade.
What to do
Avoid combined use; select one agent and monitor for infection when switching.
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 Tofacitinib
- Baricitinib + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Cladribine + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Tofacitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Tofacitinib Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Tofacitinib Major
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Tofacitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etanercept with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etanercept 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. Tofacitinib labeling does not recommend use with biologic DMARDs because of the risk of serious infection. The combination provides overlapping immunosuppression.
How serious is the interaction between Etanercept 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 combined use; select one agent and monitor for infection when switching.
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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