Drug interactions
Mercaptopurine + Tisagenlecleucel
Severity: Major
Mercaptopurine and Tisagenlecleucel: 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
Mercaptopurine can impair T-cell function and may reduce the expansion and effectiveness of CAR-T cells. Combined immunosuppression also adds to the risk of serious infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mercaptopurine and Tisagenlecleucel 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.
Mercaptopurine belongs to Oncology; Tisagenlecleucel belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effect on lymphocytes may reduce CAR-T cell expansion and persistence and adds to immune deficiency.
What to do
Stop mercaptopurine before leukapheresis and the CAR-T infusion according to the product label and treating center protocol. Monitor for infection if immunosuppression must continue.
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 Mercaptopurine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Febuxostat + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Mercaptopurine + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tisagenlecleucel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mercaptopurine with Tisagenlecleucel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Mercaptopurine and Tisagenlecleucel 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. Mercaptopurine can impair T-cell function and may reduce the expansion and effectiveness of CAR-T cells. Combined immunosuppression also adds to the risk of serious infections.
How serious is the interaction between Mercaptopurine and Tisagenlecleucel?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Stop mercaptopurine before leukapheresis and the CAR-T infusion according to the product label and treating center protocol. Monitor for infection if immunosuppression must continue.
What other medicines interact with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mercaptopurine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Azathioprine, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Mercaptopurine page.
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