Drug interactions
Thioguanine + Tofacitinib
Severity: Major
Thioguanine 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
Thioguanine is a myelosuppressive antimetabolite and tofacitinib is an immunosuppressive JAK inhibitor. Combined use increases the risk of cytopenias and serious infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Thioguanine 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.
Thioguanine belongs to Oncology; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive immunosuppression and bone marrow suppression.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If both are required, monitor complete blood counts frequently and assess 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 Tofacitinib
- Baricitinib + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Cladribine + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Tofacitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Tofacitinib Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Tofacitinib Major
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Tofacitinib Major
Other interactions of Thioguanine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Thioguanine with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Thioguanine 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. Thioguanine is a myelosuppressive antimetabolite and tofacitinib is an immunosuppressive JAK inhibitor. Combined use increases the risk of cytopenias and serious infection.
How serious is the interaction between Thioguanine 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: Avoid the combination if possible. If both are required, monitor complete blood counts frequently and assess for infection.
What other medicines interact with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tofacitinib with, for example, Baricitinib, Cladribine, Upadacitinib. The full list is on the Tofacitinib page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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