Drug interactions
Ifosfamide + Leflunomide
Severity: Major
Ifosfamide and Leflunomide: 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
Ifosfamide is a myelosuppressive cytotoxic agent, and combining it with leflunomide may increase bone marrow suppression and infection risk. Leflunomide's long half-life prolongs the overlap.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ifosfamide and Leflunomide 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.
Ifosfamide belongs to Oncology; Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppressive and immunosuppressive effects.
What to do
Monitor blood counts at least monthly and avoid a leflunomide loading dose. Consider an accelerated elimination procedure if cytopenias develop.
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 Leflunomide
- Bcg vaccine live + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ifosfamide
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Ifosfamide Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Rotavirus oral vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ifosfamide with Leflunomide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ifosfamide and Leflunomide 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. Ifosfamide is a myelosuppressive cytotoxic agent, and combining it with leflunomide may increase bone marrow suppression and infection risk. Leflunomide's long half-life prolongs the overlap.
How serious is the interaction between Ifosfamide and Leflunomide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood counts at least monthly and avoid a leflunomide loading dose. Consider an accelerated elimination procedure if cytopenias develop.
What other medicines interact with Leflunomide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Leflunomide with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live. The full list is on the Leflunomide page.
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