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Drug interactions

Leflunomide + Ponatinib

Severity: Moderate

Leflunomide and Ponatinib: moderate 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

Ponatinib inhibits BCRP and may increase exposure to teriflunomide, the active metabolite of leflunomide. Both drugs can be hepatotoxic and myelosuppressive, so higher exposure may increase toxicity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Leflunomide and Ponatinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal; Ponatinib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Ponatinib inhibits BCRP efflux, possibly raising teriflunomide levels, together with additive toxicities.

What to do

Monitor liver enzymes and complete blood counts closely. Reduce the leflunomide dose or stop it if toxicity develops.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Leflunomide with Ponatinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Leflunomide and Ponatinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Ponatinib inhibits BCRP and may increase exposure to teriflunomide, the active metabolite of leflunomide. Both drugs can be hepatotoxic and myelosuppressive, so higher exposure may increase toxicity.

How serious is the interaction between Leflunomide and Ponatinib?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor liver enzymes and complete blood counts closely. Reduce the leflunomide dose or stop it if toxicity develops.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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