Drug interactions
Rituximab + Trastuzumab
Severity: Moderate
Rituximab and Trastuzumab: 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
Rituximab depletes B cells while trastuzumab can add to neutropenia when given with myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Together they may increase the risk of infection in oncology patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rituximab and Trastuzumab 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.
Rituximab belongs to Musculoskeletal; Trastuzumab belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive effects on immune defense from B-cell depletion and potential neutropenia in trastuzumab-chemotherapy regimens.
What to do
Monitor neutrophil counts and signs of infection during treatment. Use growth factor support or hold therapy according to neutropenia severity.
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 Rituximab
Other interactions of Trastuzumab
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rituximab with Trastuzumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rituximab and Trastuzumab 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. Rituximab depletes B cells while trastuzumab can add to neutropenia when given with myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Together they may increase the risk of infection in oncology patients.
How serious is the interaction between Rituximab and Trastuzumab?
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 neutrophil counts and signs of infection during treatment. Use growth factor support or hold therapy according to neutropenia severity.
What other medicines interact with Rituximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rituximab with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Baricitinib, Certolizumab pegol. The full list is on the Rituximab page.
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