Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Tocilizumab
Severity: Minor
Hydroxychloroquine and Tocilizumab: 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
Tocilizumab is immunosuppressive, while hydroxychloroquine is only weakly immunomodulatory and is commonly used alongside biologics in rheumatoid disease. No important additive infection risk beyond that of tocilizumab is established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Tocilizumab have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tocilizumab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
No established mechanism; slight theoretical additive immunomodulation.
What to do
No change is needed; continue standard infection monitoring on tocilizumab.
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 Hydroxychloroquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tocilizumab
- Bcg vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Rubella vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Smallpox vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydroxychloroquine and Tocilizumab have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Tocilizumab is immunosuppressive, while hydroxychloroquine is only weakly immunomodulatory and is commonly used alongside biologics in rheumatoid disease. No important additive infection risk beyond that of tocilizumab is established.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Tocilizumab?
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 change is needed; continue standard infection monitoring on tocilizumab.
What other medicines interact with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydroxychloroquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Cisapride, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Hydroxychloroquine page.
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