Drug interactions
Prednisolone + Tofacitinib
Severity: Major
Prednisolone 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
Combined use produces additive immunosuppression and increases the risk of serious infections, including opportunistic infections and herpes zoster. Tofacitinib labeling warns against combining it with potent immunosuppressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Prednisolone 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.
Prednisolone belongs to Endocrine; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppressive effects of JAK inhibition and glucocorticoid activity.
What to do
Use the lowest effective prednisolone dose for the shortest time and monitor for infection. Screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis before starting.
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 Prednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Prednisolone + Radium-223 dichloride 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 Prednisolone with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Prednisolone 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. Combined use produces additive immunosuppression and increases the risk of serious infections, including opportunistic infections and herpes zoster. Tofacitinib labeling warns against combining it with potent immunosuppressants.
How serious is the interaction between Prednisolone 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 prednisolone dose for the shortest time and monitor for infection. Screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis before starting.
What other medicines interact with Prednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisolone 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 Prednisolone page.
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