Drug interactions
Sarilumab + Upadacitinib
Severity: Major
Sarilumab and Upadacitinib: 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 suppress immune function, and combining an IL-6 receptor antagonist with a JAK inhibitor adds to the risk of serious infection. Combined use is not recommended and has not been studied for safety.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sarilumab and Upadacitinib 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.
Sarilumab belongs to Musculoskeletal; Upadacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression through IL-6 receptor blockade and JAK inhibition.
What to do
Avoid combining these biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs. If switching, monitor for infection during the transition.
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 Sarilumab
Other interactions of Upadacitinib
- Abrocitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Cyclosporine + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Dengue vaccine + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Sarilumab with Upadacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Sarilumab and Upadacitinib 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 suppress immune function, and combining an IL-6 receptor antagonist with a JAK inhibitor adds to the risk of serious infection. Combined use is not recommended and has not been studied for safety.
How serious is the interaction between Sarilumab and Upadacitinib?
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 combining these biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs. If switching, monitor for infection during the transition.
What other medicines interact with Sarilumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sarilumab with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Dengue vaccine. The full list is on the Sarilumab 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.
