Drug interactions
Mechlorethamine + Tocilizumab
Severity: Moderate
Mechlorethamine and Tocilizumab: 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
Mechlorethamine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent and when given systemically causes marked myelosuppression, which with tocilizumab increases the risk of serious infection. Topical mechlorethamine has minimal systemic absorption, so the concern applies mainly to systemic use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mechlorethamine and Tocilizumab 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.
Mechlorethamine belongs to Oncology; Tocilizumab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppressive and immunosuppressive effects.
What to do
Monitor blood counts and watch for infection if both are used systemically. Delay tocilizumab if there is significant neutropenia.
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?
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Other interactions of Tocilizumab
- Bcg vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Rubella vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Smallpox vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
Other interactions of Mechlorethamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mechlorethamine with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mechlorethamine and Tocilizumab 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. Mechlorethamine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent and when given systemically causes marked myelosuppression, which with tocilizumab increases the risk of serious infection. Topical mechlorethamine has minimal systemic absorption, so the concern applies mainly to systemic use.
How serious is the interaction between Mechlorethamine and Tocilizumab?
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 blood counts and watch for infection if both are used systemically. Delay tocilizumab if there is significant neutropenia.
What other medicines interact with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tocilizumab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Tocilizumab page.
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