Drug interactions
Fingolimod + Irinotecan
Severity: Major
Fingolimod and Irinotecan: 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
Irinotecan commonly causes severe neutropenia, and fingolimod lowers lymphocyte counts. Combined use may increase the risk of serious infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fingolimod and Irinotecan 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.
Fingolimod belongs to Central Nervous System; Irinotecan belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from topoisomerase I inhibitor myelosuppression and fingolimod lymphocyte sequestration.
What to do
Avoid combination where possible; if used, monitor neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and promptly evaluate fever or infection. Consider suspending fingolimod during chemotherapy.
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 Fingolimod
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Ponesimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Siponimod Contraindicated
Other interactions of Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fingolimod with Irinotecan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fingolimod and Irinotecan 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. Irinotecan commonly causes severe neutropenia, and fingolimod lowers lymphocyte counts. Combined use may increase the risk of serious infection.
How serious is the interaction between Fingolimod and Irinotecan?
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 combination where possible; if used, monitor neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and promptly evaluate fever or infection. Consider suspending fingolimod during chemotherapy.
What other medicines interact with Fingolimod?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fingolimod with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Pimozide. The full list is on the Fingolimod page.
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