Drug interactions
Fluorouracil + Tofacitinib
Severity: Major
Fluorouracil 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
Fluorouracil causes myelosuppression and mucosal injury, and tofacitinib adds immunosuppression. Together the risk of neutropenia and serious infection is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluorouracil 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.
Fluorouracil belongs to Oncology; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic immunosuppression and bone marrow suppression.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible and consider holding tofacitinib during cytotoxic chemotherapy. Monitor complete blood counts and infection signs if used together.
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 Tofacitinib
- Baricitinib + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Cladribine + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Tofacitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Tofacitinib Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Tofacitinib Major
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Tofacitinib Major
Other interactions of Fluorouracil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluorouracil with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fluorouracil 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. Fluorouracil causes myelosuppression and mucosal injury, and tofacitinib adds immunosuppression. Together the risk of neutropenia and serious infection is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Fluorouracil 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 combining where possible and consider holding tofacitinib during cytotoxic chemotherapy. Monitor complete blood counts and infection signs if used together.
What other medicines interact with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tofacitinib with, for example, Baricitinib, Cladribine, Upadacitinib. The full list is on the Tofacitinib page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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