Drug interactions
Leflunomide + Rilonacept
Severity: Major
Leflunomide and Rilonacept: 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
Rilonacept blocks interleukin-1 and is associated with infections, and leflunomide adds immunosuppression and myelosuppression. Combined use increases the risk of infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Leflunomide and Rilonacept 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; Rilonacept belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression through IL-1 blockade and inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If used, monitor for infection and check blood counts periodically.
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 Rilonacept
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Leflunomide with Rilonacept?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Leflunomide and Rilonacept 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. Rilonacept blocks interleukin-1 and is associated with infections, and leflunomide adds immunosuppression and myelosuppression. Combined use increases the risk of infection.
How serious is the interaction between Leflunomide and Rilonacept?
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 if possible. If used, monitor for infection and check blood counts periodically.
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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