Drug interactions
Tisagenlecleucel + Upadacitinib
Severity: Major
Tisagenlecleucel 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
Immunosuppressants such as JAK inhibitors may impair CAR-T cell expansion and function, and add to infection risk after lymphodepletion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tisagenlecleucel 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.
Tisagenlecleucel belongs to Oncology; Upadacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic: JAK inhibition suppresses T-cell activation and cytokine signaling needed for CAR-T efficacy.
What to do
Avoid upadacitinib in the period around leukapheresis and CAR-T infusion unless the treating team judges it necessary. Monitor closely for infections and response.
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 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
Other interactions of Tisagenlecleucel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tisagenlecleucel with Upadacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Tisagenlecleucel 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. Immunosuppressants such as JAK inhibitors may impair CAR-T cell expansion and function, and add to infection risk after lymphodepletion.
How serious is the interaction between Tisagenlecleucel 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 upadacitinib in the period around leukapheresis and CAR-T infusion unless the treating team judges it necessary. Monitor closely for infections and response.
What other medicines interact with Upadacitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Upadacitinib with, for example, Abrocitinib, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Baricitinib. The full list is on the Upadacitinib page.
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