Drug interactions
Glatiramer + Mercaptopurine
Severity: Minor
Glatiramer and Mercaptopurine: minor 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
Glatiramer has immunomodulatory rather than broadly immunosuppressive activity, and no meaningful additive immunosuppression is well documented with mercaptopurine. Any added infection risk is theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Glatiramer and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Glatiramer belongs to Central Nervous System; Mercaptopurine belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Theoretical additive immune modulation; no established mechanism.
What to do
No dose change is needed. Monitor blood counts as usual for mercaptopurine and be alert to infection.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Mercaptopurine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Febuxostat + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Mercaptopurine + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Other interactions of Glatiramer
- Anakinra + Glatiramer Minor
- Anti-thymocyte + Glatiramer Minor
- Basiliximab + Glatiramer Minor
- Denosumab + Glatiramer Minor
- Echinacea + Glatiramer Minor
- Etanercept + Glatiramer Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Glatiramer with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Glatiramer and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Glatiramer has immunomodulatory rather than broadly immunosuppressive activity, and no meaningful additive immunosuppression is well documented with mercaptopurine. Any added infection risk is theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Glatiramer and Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is needed. Monitor blood counts as usual for mercaptopurine and be alert to infection.
What other medicines interact with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mercaptopurine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Azathioprine, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Mercaptopurine page.
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