Drug interactions
Hydroxyurea + Tofacitinib
Severity: Major
Hydroxyurea 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
Hydroxyurea is myelosuppressive and tofacitinib is immunosuppressive and can lower lymphocyte and neutrophil counts. Combined use raises the risk of cytopenias and serious infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxyurea 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.
Hydroxyurea belongs to Miscellaneous; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic immunosuppression and bone marrow suppression.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible. If necessary, monitor blood counts frequently and interrupt one agent if severe cytopenia or infection occurs.
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 Hydroxyurea
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxyurea with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxyurea 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. Hydroxyurea is myelosuppressive and tofacitinib is immunosuppressive and can lower lymphocyte and neutrophil counts. Combined use raises the risk of cytopenias and serious infections.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyurea 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. If necessary, monitor blood counts frequently and interrupt one agent if severe cytopenia or infection occurs.
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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