Drug interactions
Sarilumab + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Sarilumab and Theophylline: moderate interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Sarilumab blocks IL-6 signaling, which can restore CYP activity suppressed by inflammation. Theophylline clearance may rise, lowering its levels and reducing efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sarilumab and Theophylline 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.
Sarilumab belongs to Musculoskeletal; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
IL-6 receptor blockade reverses cytokine-mediated downregulation of CYP1A2 and other CYP enzymes, increasing theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Monitor theophylline concentrations and clinical response when starting or stopping sarilumab, and adjust the dose as needed.
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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References
- KEVZARA - FDA drug label (DailyMed) — openFDA / DailyMed
Other interactions of Theophylline
- Riociguat + Theophylline Contraindicated
- Adenosine + Theophylline Major
- Apalutamide + Theophylline Major
- Bupropion + Theophylline Major
- Carvedilol + Theophylline Major
- Cimetidine + Theophylline Major
Other interactions of Sarilumab
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Sarilumab with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Sarilumab and Theophylline 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. Sarilumab blocks IL-6 signaling, which can restore CYP activity suppressed by inflammation. Theophylline clearance may rise, lowering its levels and reducing efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Sarilumab and Theophylline?
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 theophylline concentrations and clinical response when starting or stopping sarilumab, and adjust the dose as needed.
What other medicines interact with Theophylline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Theophylline with, for example, Riociguat, Adenosine, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Theophylline page.
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