Drug interactions
Rilonacept + Tocilizumab
Severity: Major
Rilonacept and Tocilizumab: 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 agents block interleukin signalling and combining them raises the risk of serious infection. Labeling for IL-1 blockers advises against use with other biologic immunosuppressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rilonacept and Tocilizumab 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 belongs to Miscellaneous; Tocilizumab belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression from IL-6 receptor blockade and IL-1 trap activity.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and choose a single biologic. If combined, monitor closely for infection.
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 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 Rilonacept
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rilonacept with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Rilonacept and Tocilizumab 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 agents block interleukin signalling and combining them raises the risk of serious infection. Labeling for IL-1 blockers advises against use with other biologic immunosuppressants.
How serious is the interaction between Rilonacept and Tocilizumab?
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 concurrent use and choose a single biologic. If combined, monitor closely for infection.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
