Drug interactions
Etrasimod + Leflunomide
Severity: Major
Etrasimod and Leflunomide: 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
Etrasimod lowers circulating lymphocytes, and leflunomide is also immunosuppressive, so combined use may raise infection risk. Etrasimod effects on lymphocyte counts persist for weeks after stopping.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etrasimod and Leflunomide 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.
Etrasimod belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from S1P receptor modulation (lymphocyte sequestration) and inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use during and for several weeks after etrasimod. If unavoidable, monitor for infection and check blood counts.
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 Leflunomide
- Bcg vaccine live + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Other interactions of Etrasimod
- Abatacept + Etrasimod Major
- Amiodarone + Etrasimod Major
- Anagrelide + Etrasimod Major
- Anakinra + Etrasimod Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Etrasimod Major
- Asenapine + Etrasimod Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etrasimod with Leflunomide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etrasimod and Leflunomide 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. Etrasimod lowers circulating lymphocytes, and leflunomide is also immunosuppressive, so combined use may raise infection risk. Etrasimod effects on lymphocyte counts persist for weeks after stopping.
How serious is the interaction between Etrasimod and Leflunomide?
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 during and for several weeks after etrasimod. If unavoidable, monitor for infection and check blood counts.
What other medicines interact with Leflunomide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Leflunomide with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live. The full list is on the Leflunomide page.
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