Skip to content

Drug interactions

Tisagenlecleucel + Tofacitinib

Severity: Major

Tisagenlecleucel 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

Immunosuppressants such as tofacitinib may impair the expansion and activity of CAR T cells and add to infection risk after lymphodepletion. This may reduce efficacy of the cell therapy.

What this interaction means in plain words

Tisagenlecleucel 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.

Tisagenlecleucel belongs to Oncology; Tofacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

JAK inhibition suppresses T-cell activation and proliferation, potentially blunting CAR T-cell function.

What to do

Avoid tofacitinib around CAR T-cell collection and infusion unless clearly needed. Coordinate with the treating oncology team and monitor 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Tisagenlecleucel and Tofacitinib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Tisagenlecleucel with Tofacitinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Tisagenlecleucel 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. Immunosuppressants such as tofacitinib may impair the expansion and activity of CAR T cells and add to infection risk after lymphodepletion. This may reduce efficacy of the cell therapy.

How serious is the interaction between Tisagenlecleucel 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 tofacitinib around CAR T-cell collection and infusion unless clearly needed. Coordinate with the treating oncology team and monitor 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

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in