Drug interactions
Leflunomide + Mycophenolate
Severity: Major
Leflunomide and Mycophenolate: 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 combined use increases infection risk and may cause cytopenias. Leflunomide's long half-life prolongs the exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Leflunomide and Mycophenolate 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.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression through inhibition of pyrimidine synthesis (leflunomide) and purine synthesis (mycophenolate).
What to do
Avoid if possible. If combined, 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 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?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Leflunomide and Mycophenolate 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 combined use increases infection risk and may cause cytopenias. Leflunomide's long half-life prolongs the exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Leflunomide and Mycophenolate?
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 if possible. If combined, monitor blood counts and liver enzymes regularly and watch for infection.
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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