Drug interactions
Methylprednisolone + Tofacitinib
Severity: Major
Methylprednisolone and Tofacitinib: 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 drugs suppress the immune system, and combined use increases the risk of serious infections including opportunistic infections. Tofacitinib labeling cautions against use with potent immunosuppressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylprednisolone and Tofacitinib 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.
Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic immunosuppression through JAK inhibition and glucocorticoid effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective corticosteroid dose and monitor closely for infection. Consider screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis before therapy and avoid other potent immunosuppressants.
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 Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tofacitinib
- Baricitinib + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Cladribine + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Tofacitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Tofacitinib Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Tofacitinib Major
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Tofacitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylprednisolone with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methylprednisolone and Tofacitinib 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 drugs suppress the immune system, and combined use increases the risk of serious infections including opportunistic infections. Tofacitinib labeling cautions against use with potent immunosuppressants.
How serious is the interaction between Methylprednisolone and Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective corticosteroid dose and monitor closely for infection. Consider screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis before therapy and avoid other potent immunosuppressants.
What other medicines interact with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylprednisolone 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 Methylprednisolone page.
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