Drug interactions
Leflunomide + Mycophenolate mofetil
Severity: Major
Leflunomide and Mycophenolate mofetil: 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
Both agents inhibit lymphocyte proliferation by blocking nucleotide synthesis, so together they increase the risk of infection and bone marrow suppression. Leflunomide's long half-life means effects persist after stopping.
What this interaction means in plain words
Leflunomide and Mycophenolate mofetil 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.
Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal; Mycophenolate mofetil belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression and myelosuppression through inhibition of pyrimidine (leflunomide) and purine (mycophenolate) synthesis.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, monitor blood counts and liver enzymes regularly and watch for infection.
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 Mycophenolate mofetil
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Mycophenolate mofetil Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Mycophenolate mofetil Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Mycophenolate mofetil Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Mycophenolate mofetil Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Mycophenolate mofetil Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Mycophenolate mofetil Contraindicated
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Leflunomide with Mycophenolate mofetil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Leflunomide and Mycophenolate mofetil 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. Both agents inhibit lymphocyte proliferation by blocking nucleotide synthesis, so together they increase the risk of infection and bone marrow suppression. Leflunomide's long half-life means effects persist after stopping.
How serious is the interaction between Leflunomide and Mycophenolate mofetil?
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 the combination where possible; if used, monitor blood counts and liver enzymes regularly and watch for infection.
What other medicines interact with Mycophenolate mofetil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mycophenolate mofetil with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal. The full list is on the Mycophenolate mofetil page.
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