Matulane (procarbazine HCl)
Procarbazine Oral Capsule
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Procarbazine hydrochloride, which is considered a polyfunctional alkylating agent by some experts, is an antineoplastic agent.
USES: This medication is used to treat Hodgkin's disease (also known as Hodgkin's lymphoma). Procarbazine belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Generic name: procarbazine HCl
Pronunciation: (proe-KAR-ba-zeen)
Drug class: Procarbazine
Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Matulane
Indications
The following indications are listed for Matulane:
- Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Also known as: Anemia Lymphatica, Hodgkin's Disease.
Dosing
Dosage of procarbazine hydrochloride is expressed in terms of procarbazine. Procarbazine hydrochloride dosage must be highly individualized based on clinical and hematologic response. Dosage is based on the patient's body weight; if the patient has abnormal fluid retention (e.g., edema, ascites), ideal body weight is used to calculate dosage. Clinicians should consult published protocols for the dosage of procarbazine hydrochloride and other chemotherapeutic agents and the method and sequence of administration.
Procarbazine therapy should be discontinued promptly in patients experiencing any of the following toxicities. Upon satisfactory recovery from toxicity, procarbazine therapy may be resumed at the discretion of the clinician.
Procarbazine hydrochloride is administered orally.
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No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
Immunosuppressive; Immunomod/Cladribine Onc Inj (10 MG/5 ML)
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cladribine in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1-2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cladribine with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections.(1-2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for cladribine regarding this interaction differ between regulatory approving agencies. The UK and AU manufacturers of Litak state that concomitant use of other myelosuppressive medicinal products with cladribine is contraindicated.(1-2) The Israeli manufacturer of Litak states that cladribine should not be used concomitantly with other myelosuppressive medicinal products.(3)
DISCUSSION: The risk of severe myelotoxicity and long-lasting immunosuppression is increased in patients with a disease-related bone marrow infiltration or a previous myelosuppressive treatment.(1-3)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Efalizumab; Natalizumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Natalizumab,(1-3) efalizumab,(4) immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of natalizumab(1-3) or efalizumab(4) with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators may result in an increased risk of infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Previous JCV infection, longer duration of natalizumab treatment - especially if greater than 2 years, and prior or concomitant treatment with immunosuppressant medication are all independent risk factors which increase the risk for PML.(1,5) The FDA has estimated PML incidence stratified by risk factors: If anti-JCV antibody positive, no prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment less than 25 months, incidence <1/1,000. If anti-JCV antibody positive, history of prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment less than 25 months, incidence 2/1,000 If anti-JCV antibody positive, no prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment 25-48 months, incidence 4/1,000 If anti-JCV antibody positive, history of prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment 25-48 months, incidence 11/1,000.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of natalizumab states patients with Crohn's disease should not receive concurrent immunosuppressants, with the exception of limited overlap of corticosteroids, due to the increased risk for PML. For new natalizumab patients currently receiving chronic oral corticosteroids for Crohn's Disease, begin corticosteroid taper when therapeutic response to natalizumab has occurred. If corticosteroids cannot be discontinued within six months of starting natalizumab, discontinue natalizumab.(3) The US manufacturer of natalizumab states that natalizumab should not ordinarily be used in multiple sclerosis patients receiving immunosuppressants or immunomodulators due to the increased risk for PML. Immunosuppressives include, but are not limited to azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, mycophenolate, and corticosteroids.(3,6) The UK manufacturer of natalizumab states that concurrent use with immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents is contraindicated.(1) The Canadian manufacturer of natalizumab states that natalizumab should not be used with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents.(2) The US manufacturer of certolizumab states that concurrent therapy with natalizumab is not recommended.(7)
DISCUSSION: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy has been reported in patients receiving concurrent natalizumab were recently or concomitantly taking immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1-5,8,9) In a retrospective cohort study of multiple sclerosis patients newly initiated on a disease-modifying therapy, use of high-efficacy agents (alemtuzumab, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab) resulted in the same risk of overall infections as moderate-efficacy agents, but there was an elevated risk of serious infections (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.44) and UTIs (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.14-1.30).(10)
Mao Inhibitors/Selected 5-Ht1d Agonists
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: MAOIs inhibit the metabolism of rizatriptan,(1) sumatriptan,(2-9) and zolmitriptan.(10-11)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOIs may result in increased levels and effects of rizatriptan, sumatriptan or zolmitriptan.(1-11)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, e.g., coronary artery disease (CAD), transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, cardiac conduction disorders or poorly controlled hypertension are not considered candidates for 5-HT1D agonist therapy and would be at greater risk for toxicity due to this interaction.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent administration of rizatriptan and a MAOI or administration of rizatriptan within two weeks of the discontinuation of a MAOI is contraindicated according to product labeling for rizatriptan.(1) Concurrent administration of sumatriptan and a MAOI or administration of sumatriptan within two weeks of the discontinuation of a MAOI is contraindicated according to the Australian, Canada, UK, and US product labeling for these agents.(2-9) Concurrent administration of zolmitriptan and a MAO-A inhibitor or the administration of zolmitriptan within two weeks of discontinuation of a MAO-A inhibitor is contraindicated according to US labeling.(10) The UK manufacturer states that a maximum of 7.5 mg of zolmitriptan should be administered within 24 hours of a MAO-A inhibitor.(11) Eletriptan and frovatriptan are not metabolized by MAO-A(12, 13) and may be an alternative in patients who require treatment with an MAO-A inhibitor.
DISCUSSION: Rizatriptan is metabolized by the 'A' subtype of monoamine oxidase. In a study with 12 subjects, the concurrent administration of rizatriptan (10 mg) with moclobemide (450 mg daily, a selective, reversible MAO-A inhibitor) resulted in increases in the rizatriptan area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 119% and 41%, respectively. The AUC of the active metabolite, N-monodesmethyl rizatriptan, increased over 400%. Plasma concentrations of rizatriptan may be increased by selective MAO-A inhibitors or by nonselective MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors, although the interaction is expected to be greater with selective MAO-A inhibitors. The manufacturer also states that no interaction is expected with selective MAO-B inhibitors.(1) Sumatriptan oral bioavailability is approximately 15%, primarily due to presystemic clearance by MAO-A in the gut and liver. A small study found an approximately 7-fold increase in systemic sumatriptan exposure when an MAO-A inhibitor was given prior to a 25 mg oral dose of sumatriptan.(4) In another study, pretreatment with an MAO-A inhibitor prior to administration of injectable sumatriptan resulted in a 2-fold increase in sumatriptan AUC and a 40% increase in elimination half-life.(8) Pretreatment with a MAO-B inhibitor did not produce any significant changes in sumatriptan pharmacokinetics. The effect of a MAOI on nasal sumatriptan systemic absorption is expected to be less than that seen with oral sumatriptan but greater than that seen with injectable sumatriptan.(6) Administration of moclobemide, a MAO-A inhibitor, for one week (150 mg twice daily) resulted in a 25% increase in zolmitriptan AUC and a three-fold increase in Cmax and AUC for zolmitriptan's active N-desmethyl metabolite.(10,11) Administration of selegiline for one week at a dosage of 10 mg daily had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of zolmitriptan or its metabolite.(10) At daily doses of 10 mg, selegiline is primarily a selective MAO-B inhibitor; however, at higher doses, selegiline is capable of inhibiting MAO-A. Hypertensive reactions to the addition of either tyramine or a sympathomimetic to recommended dosages of selegiline have been reported.(14) Therefore, patients receiving selegiline at dosages of greater than 10 mg daily should be considered to be receiving a MAO-A inhibitor. It would also be prudent to monitor patients receiving selegiline at recommended dosages for this interaction. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(15) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(17,18) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.
Maois/Aspirin With Papaveretum
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Unknown.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: May result in either CNS depression or excitation.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concurrent therapy with these agents if possible. If concurrent therapy is necessary, monitor patients for signs of CNS depression or excitation.
DISCUSSION: The data sheet for papaverine states that the drug is contraindicated in patients receiving therapy with a MAOI agent. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor MAO-A. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.
Maois/Deutetrabenazine; Tetrabenazine
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of deutetrabenazine or tetrabenazine with an MAOI may result in restlessness, disorientation, and confusion.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of deutetrabenazine or tetrabenazine with a MAOI is contraindicated.(1-3) A two-week washout period should elapse between discontinuing a MAOI and the initiation of deutetrabenazine or tetrabenazine.(1-3)
DISCUSSION: Because concurrent use of deutetrabenazine or tetrabenazine with an MAOI may result in restlessness, disorientation, and confusion, tetrabenazine should not be given after a course of any of the MAOI's.(1-3) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(4,5) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(6,7)
Maois/Indoramin
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Unknown.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in hypotension.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concurrent therapy with these agents if possible. If concurrent therapy is necessary, monitor patients for signs of hypotension.
DISCUSSION: The data sheet for indoramin states that the drug is contraindicated in patients receiving therapy with a MAOI agent. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.
Procarbazine/Ozanimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ozanimod is metabolized by CYP3A4 to RP101075 (a minor active metabolite), which is further metabolized by monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) to major active metabolites that make up the predominant circulating active species in the plasma. The major and minor active metabolites have similar activity as ozanimod. Inhibition of MAO-B may alter exposure to ozanimod and its metabolites.(1) Procarbazine, although used therapeutically as an antineoplastic agent, is an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO).(2) Ozanimod in combination with immunosuppressives such as procarbazine suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ozanimod and MAO inhibitors may result in altered exposure to ozanimod and its active metabolites and may result in decreased efficacy.(1) Concurrent use of ozanimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of ozanimod with MAO inhibitors is contraindicated. At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of ozanimod and initiation of MAO inhibitors.(1) The ozanimod US prescribing information state this information regarding this interaction: Ozanimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Caution should be used during concomitant administration because of the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the week following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.(1)
DISCUSSION: The combination of ozanimod with MAO inhibitors has not been studied. The combination of steady state ozanimod 0.92 mg or 1.84 mg with tyramine, an MAO substrate, did not have an effect on tyramine plasma concentrations or tyramine-induced pressor response. However, MAO inhibitors may alter the exposure to ozanimod and its metabolites.(1) Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients taking ozanimod who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1)
Selected Immunosuppressants/Nadofaragene Firadenovec
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Nadofaragene firadenovec may contain low levels of replication-competent adenovirus.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of nadofaragene firadenovec in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may cause disseminated adenovirus infection.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Individuals who are immunosuppressed or immune-deficient should not receive nadofaragene firadenovec.(1)
DISCUSSION: Nadofaragene firadenovec is a non-replicating adenoviral vector-based gene therapy but may contain low levels of replication-competent adenovirus. Immunocompromised persons, including those receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may be at risk for disseminated adenovirus infection.(1)
Selected Immunosuppressants/Talimogene Laherparepvec
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Talimogene laherparepvec is a live, attenuated herpes simplex virus.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of talimogene laherparepvec in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may cause a life-threatening disseminated herpetic infection.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Talimogene laherparepvec is contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients.(1) The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks due to immunosuppressant drugs should be determined by a physician.
DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of talimogene laherparepvec in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may cause a life-threatening disseminated herpetic infection.(1)
Selected Immunosuppressive Agents/Live Vaccines; Live Bcg
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: A variety of disease modifying agents suppress the immune system. Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines or intravesicular BCG. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained and/or the vaccine may result in illness.(1) After instillation of intravesicular BCG, immunosuppression may interfere with local immune response, or increase the severity of mycobacterial infection following inadvertent systemic exposure.(2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies, HIV disease), treatments (e.g. radiation) and drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live, attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are immunocompromised. The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks should be determined by a physician.(1) For patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy, vaccination should ideally precede the initiation of chemotherapy by 14 days. Patients vaccinated while on immunosuppressive therapy or in the 2 weeks prior to starting therapy should be considered unimmunized and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy.(1) Patients who receive anti-B cell therapies should not receive live vaccines for at least 6 months after such therapies due to a prolonged duration of immunosuppression. An exception is the Zoster vaccine, which can be given at least 1 month after receipt of anti-B cell therapies.(1) The US manufacturer of abatacept states live vaccines should not be given during or for up to 3 months after discontinuation of abatacept.(2) The US manufacturer of live BCG for intravesicular treatment of bladder cancer states use is contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients.(3) The US manufacturer of daclizumab states live vaccines are not recommended during and for up to 4 months after discontinuation of treatment.(4) The US manufacturer of guselkumab states that live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with guselkumab.(5) The US manufacturer of inebilizumab-cdon states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and after discontinuation until B-cell repletion. Administer all live vaccinations at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of inebilizumab-cdon.(6) The US manufacturer of ocrelizumab states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion occurs after discontinuation of therapy. Administer all live vaccines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ocrelizumab.(7) The US manufacturer of ozanimod states that live vaccines should be avoided during and for up to 3 months after discontinuation of ozanimod.(8) The US manufacturer of siponimod states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuation of treatment.(9) The US manufacturer of ustekinumab states BCG vaccines should not be given in the year prior to, during, or the year after ustekinumab therapy.(10) The US manufacturer of satralizumab-mwge states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and should be administered at least four weeks prior to initiation of satralizumab-mwge.(11) The US manufacturer of ublituximab-xiiy states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and until B-cell recovery. Live vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ublituximab-xiiy.(12) The US manufacturer of etrasimod states that live vaccines should be avoided during and for 5 weeks after treatment. Live vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of etrasimod.(13) The US manufacturer of emapalumab-lzsg states that live vaccines should not be administered to patients receiving emapalumab-lzsg and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of emapalumab-lzsg. The safety of immunization with live vaccines during or following emapalumab-lzsg therapy has not been studied.(14) The US manufacturer of sibeprenlimab-szsi states live vaccines should not be given within 30 days prior to initiation or during treatment with sibeprenlimab-szsi.(15)
DISCUSSION: Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(1) Patients with a history of leukemia who are in remission and have not received chemotherapy for at least 3 months are not considered to be immunocompromised.(1)
Selected Maois/Selected Antihistamines
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: MAOIs prolong and intensify the effects of antihistamines.(1-6)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of antihistamines and a MAOI may result in severe hypotension.(1-6)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of antihistamines and a MAOI is contraindicated.(1-6)
DISCUSSION: MAOIs may prolong and intensify the effects of antihistamines, resulting in severe hypotension.(1-6) A case report describes a patient having cyproheptadine added to their phenelzine therapy in an attempt to relieve the patients anorgasmia. The patient began to suddenly experience visual hallucination after taking the cyproheptadine for two months. Once the medication was terminated, the hallucinations stopped occurring within 48 hours.(7) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(8,9)
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Agents That Affect Catecholamines/Iobenguane I 123
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with imaging completed with iobenguane.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores prior to imaging with iobenguane. Before imaging with iobenguane, discontinue agents that affect catecholamines for at least 5 biological half-lives, as clinically tolerated.(1)
DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine)
Agents That Affect Catecholamines/Iobenguane I 131
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may impact the dosimetry calculations or effectiveness of iobenguane.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores for at least 5 half-lives before administration of either the dosimetry or a therapeutic dose of iobenguane. Do not administer these drugs until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose.(1)
DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine) - calcium channel blockers
Immunosuppres;Immunomodul/Selected Multiple Sclerosis Agents
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ocrelizumab or ofatumumab in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1,2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ocrelizumab or ofatumumab with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1,2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The ocrelizumab US prescribing information states: - Ocrelizumab and other immune-modulating or immunosuppressive therapies, (including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids) are expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression, and the risk of additive immune system effects must be considered if these therapies are coadministered with ocrelizumab. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, such as daclizumab, fingolimod, natalizumab, teriflunomide, or mitoxantrone, the duration and mode of action of these drugs must be considered to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating ocrelizumab.(1) The ofatumumab US prescribing information states: - Ofatumumab and other immunosuppressive therapies (including systemic corticosteroids) may have the potential for increased immunosuppressive effects and increase the risk of infection. When switching between therapies, the duration and mechanism of action of each therapy should be considered due to the potential for additive immunosuppressive effects. Ofatumumab for MS therapy has not been studied in combination with other MS agents that suppress the immune system.(2)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1,2) In a retrospective cohort study of multiple sclerosis patients newly initiated on a disease-modifying therapy, use of high-efficacy agents (alemtuzumab, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab) resulted in the same risk of overall infections as moderate-efficacy agents, but there was an elevated risk of serious infections (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.44) and UTIs (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.14-1.30).(3)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Baricitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of baricitinib with other biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of baricitinib with other biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of baricitinib states that concurrent use of baricitinib with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.(1)
DISCUSSION: Most patients who developed serious infections while being treated with baricitinib were on concomitant immunosuppressants like methotrexate and corticosteroids. The combination of baricitinib with other biologic DMARDs has not been studied.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Cladribine Oral
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cladribine in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1-2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cladribine with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1-2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for cladribine regarding this interaction differ between regulatory approving agencies. The cladribine US prescribing information states: -Concomitant use with myelosuppressive or other immunosuppressive drugs is not recommended. Acute short-term therapy with corticosteroids can be administered. In patients who have previously been treated with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive drugs, consider potential additive effect, the mode of action, and duration of effect of the other drugs prior to initiation of cladribine.(1) The cladribine Canadian prescribing information states: -Use of cladribine in immunocompromised patients is contraindicated because of a risk of additive effects on the immune system. Acute short-term therapy with corticosteroids can be administered during cladribine treatment.(2)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1-2)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Deuruxolitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Deuruxolitinib, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of deuruxolitinib and potent immunosuppressants may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of deuruxolitinib states that concurrent use of deuruxolitinib with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, cyclosporine or other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.(1) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection. If a patient develops a serious or opportunistic infection, interrupt deuruxolitinib treatment until the infection is controlled.
DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving treatment with deuruxolitinib.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Etrasimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Etrasimod causes reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues, resulting in a mean 55% decrease in peripheral blood lymphocyte count at 52 weeks.(1) Other immunosuppressives and immune-modulators also suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of etrasimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious and fatal infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection, cryptococcal infection, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications increases the risk of adverse effects.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The etrasimod US prescribing information states etrasimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Concomitant administration of these therapies with etrasimod should be avoided because of the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the weeks following administration. Etrasimod's effect on peripheral lymphocytes may persist for up to 5 weeks after discontinuation.(1) When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.(1)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections, cryptococcal meningitis, disseminated cryptococcal infections, and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients treated with other sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor modulators.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Filgotinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of filgotinib with other immunosuppressants or immunomodulators including azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of filgotinib with other immunosuppressants or immunomodulators including azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, biologic DMARDs, or other JAK inhibitors may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK manufacturer of filgotinib states that concurrent use of filgotinib with other immunosuppressants or immunomodulators including azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, biologic DMARDs, or other JAK inhibitors is not recommended.(1)
DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving filgotinib. Caution should be used in patients with a higher incidence of serious infection, including elderly patients aged 75 years and older.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Fingolimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Fingolimod in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1-3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of fingolimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1-3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for fingolimod regarding this interaction differ between regulatory approving agencies. The fingolimod US prescribing information states: - Antineoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies, (including corticosteroids) are expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression, and the risk of additive immune system effects must be considered if these therapies are coadministered with fingolimod. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, such as natalizumab, teriflunomide or mitoxantrone, the duration and mode of action of these drugs must be considered to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating fingolimod.(1) The fingolimod Canadian prescribing information states: - Concurrent use with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents is contraindicated due to the risk of additive immune system effects. However, co-administration of a short course of corticosteroids (up to 5 days) did not increase the overall rate of infection in patients participating Phase III clinical trials.(2) The fingolimod UK specific product characteristics states: - Fingolimod is contraindicated in patients currently receiving immunosuppressive therapies or those immunocompromised by prior therapies. When switching patients from another disease modifying therapy to Gilenya, the half-life and mode of action of the other therapy must be considered in order to avoid an additive immune effect whilst at the same time minimizing the risk of disease activation.(3)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1-3)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Inebilizumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inebilizumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of inebilizumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in myelosuppression including neutropenia resulting in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of inebilizumab states that the concurrent use of inebilizumab with immunosuppressive agents, including systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1)
DISCUSSION: Inebilizumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressants. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents. The most common infections reported by inebilizumab treated patients in the randomized and open-label clinical trial periods included urinary tract infections (20%), nasopharyngitis (13%), upper respiratory tract infections (8%), and influenza (7%). Although there been no cases of Hepatitis B virus reactivation or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy reported in patients taking inebilizumab, these infections have been observed in patients taking other B-cell-depleting antibodies.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Ponesimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ponesimod in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ponesimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection, cryptococcal infection, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The ponesimod US prescribing information states ponesimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Caution should be used during concomitant administration because of the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the weeks following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects. Initiating treatment with ponesimod after alemtuzumab is not recommended. However, ponesimod can generally be started immediately after discontinuation of beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.(1)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections, cryptococcal meningitis, disseminated cryptococcal infections, and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Ritlecitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ritlecitinib, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ritlecitinib with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators may result in an increased risk of serious infections.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ritlecitinib states that concurrent use of ritlecitinib with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, cyclosporine or other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.(1)
DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving ritlecitinib. Reported infections included appendicitis, COVID-19 infection (including pneumonia), and sepsis. Reports of viral reactivation, including herpes virus reactivation was reported in clinical studies with ritlecitinib.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Siponimod
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Siponimod in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of siponimod with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV).(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The siponimod US prescribing information state this information regarding this interaction: -Siponimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Caution should be used during concomitant administration because of the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the week following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects. Initiating treatment with siponimod after alemtuzumab is not recommended. However, siponimod can generally be started immediately after discontinuation of beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.(1)
DISCUSSION: Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients who previously received immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Tofacitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of tofacitinib and azathioprine, other biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or potent immunosuppressants may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of tofacitinib and azathioprine, other biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants use may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Tofacitinib should not be used concurrently with azathioprine, other biologic DMARDs, or cyclosporine.(1) Patient should be monitored for decreases in lymphocytes and neutrophils. Therapy should be adjusted based on the indication. - For all indications: If absolute neutrophil count (ANC) or lymphocyte count is less than 500 cells/mm3, discontinue tofacitinib. - For rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) 500 to 1000 cells/mm3: interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, resume Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily or Xeljanz XR 11 mg once daily. - For ulcerative colitis and ANC 500 to 1000 cells/mm3: -If taking Xeljanz 10 mg twice daily, decrease to 5 mg twice daily. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, increase to 10 mg twice daily based on clinical response. -If taking Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily, interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, resume 5 mg twice daily. -If taking Xeljanz XR 22 mg once daily, decrease to 11 mg once daily. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, increase to 22 mg once daily based on clinical response. -If taking Xeljanz XR 11 mg once daily, interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, resume 11 mg once daily. - For polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) and ANC 500 to 1000 cells/mm3: interrupt dosing until ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3.(1)
DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of tofacitinib and azathioprine, other biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants may increase the risk of infection.(1) Serious infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens have been reported in patients receiving tofacitinib. Some patients presented with disseminated disease and were often taking concomitant immunomodulating agents. In the ulcerative colitis population, a greater risk of serious infections was seen with a higher tofacitinib dose. In 7 placebo-controlled rheumatoid arthritis trials (0-3 months exposure), the overall frequency of infections was 20% in the tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily group and 22% in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily group compared to 18% in the placebo group. Serious infections were reported in 11 patients (1.7 events per 100 patient-years) with a rate difference between treatment groups of 1.1 (-0.4, 2.5) events per 100 patient-years for both tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily. During 0-12 months exposure, serious infections were reported in 34 patients (2.7 events per 100 patient years) in the tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily group and 33 patients (2.7 events per 100 patient years) in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily group.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Upadacitinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Upadacitinib, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of upadacitinib with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators may result in an increased risk of serious infections.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of upadacitinib states that concurrent use of upadacitinib with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators is not recommended.
DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. Reported infections included pneumonia, cellulitis, tuberculosis, multidermatomal herpes zoster, oral/esophageal candidiasis, cryptococcosis. Reports of viral reactivation, including herpes virus reactivation and hepatitis B reactivation, were reported in clinical studies with upadacitinib.(1)
Maois/Bethanidine
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Unknown.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in hypotension.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concurrent therapy with these agents if possible. If concurrent therapy is necessary, monitor patients for signs of hypotension.
DISCUSSION: The data sheet for bethanidine states that the drug is contraindicated in patients receiving therapy with a MAOI agent. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.
Maois/Droxidopa
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: MAOIs inhibit the enzyme responsible for degradation of norepinephrine which is formed by droxidopa.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOIs and droxidopa may result in increased effects of droxidopa, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and hypertensive crisis.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of droxidopa recommends concurrent use with non-selective MAOIs should be avoided. Selective MAO-B inhibitors, including rasagiline and selegiline, were used concurrently in clinical trials without an increase in risk of hypertensive crisis. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patient closely for increases in blood pressure.
DISCUSSION: Hypertensive reactions are possible as a result of this interaction. This interaction may be possible for several weeks after the discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor. Furazolidone and linezolid have been shown to inhibit MAO. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.
Maois/Primaquine
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Primaquine is metabolized by CYP2D6 and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). MAO-A inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of primaquine.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAO-A inhibitors and primaquine may result in increased levels and toxicities of primaquine, including hemolytic anemia.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: This interaction is expected to be more severe in patients who are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, CYP2D6 intermediate metabolizers and who receive concomitant treatment with a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor.(1)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of primaquine recommends deferring initiation of MAO-A inhibitor therapy or considering alternative drug therapy in patients with reduced or absent CYP2D6 activity (e.g., concurrent use of a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor or CYP2D6 intermediate or poor metabolizers) until primaquine treatment is completed. If concurrent use with primaquine is necessary, increase patient monitoring for potential adverse reactions.(1)
DISCUSSION: Primaquine is metabolized by CYP2D6 and MAO-A. Both metabolic pathways may be inhibited in patients who are taking concurrent MAO-A inhibitors and also taking strong CYP2D6 inhibitors or who are CYP2D6 intermediate or poor metabolizers. Individuals who are CYP2D6 intermediate or poor metabolizers exhibit a prolonged primaquine half-life and increased primaquine plasma concentrations when compared to individuals who are CYP2D6 normal metabolizers. CYP2D6 metabolizer status may be associated with variability in clinical response to primaquine.(1)
Myelosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Sodium Iodide I 131
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sodium iodide I 131 can cause depression of the hematopoetic system. Myelosuppressives and immunomodulators also suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sodium iodide I 131 with agents that cause bone marrow depression, including myelosuppressives or immunomodulators, may result in an enhanced risk of hematologic disorders, including anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow depression may increase the risk of serious infections and bleeding.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sodium iodide I 131 states that concurrent use with bone marrow depressants may enhance the depression of the hematopoetic system caused by large doses of sodium iodide I 131.(1) Sodium iodide I 131 causes a dose-dependent bone marrow suppression, including neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, in the 3 to 5 weeks following administration. Patients may be at increased risk of infections or bleeding during this time. Monitor complete blood counts within one month of therapy. If results indicate leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, dosimetry should be used to determine a safe sodium iodide I 131 activity.(1)
DISCUSSION: Hematologic disorders including death have been reported with sodium iodide I 131. The most common hematologic disorders reported include anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.(1)
Selected Immunosuppressants/Leflunomide; Teriflunomide
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of leflunomide or teriflunomide and potent immunosuppressants may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1,2) Leflunomide is a prodrug and is converted to its active metabolite teriflunomide.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of leflunomide or teriflunomide with immunosuppressants may result in an increased risk of serious infections, including opportunistic infections, especially Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, tuberculosis (including extra-pulmonary tuberculosis), and aspergillosis.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If leflunomide or teriflunomide is used concurrently with immunosuppressive agents, chronic CBC monitoring should be performed more frequently, every month instead of every 6 to 8 weeks. If bone marrow suppression or a serious infection occurs, leflunomide or teriflunomide should be stopped and rapid drug elimination procedure should be performed.(1,2)
DISCUSSION: Pancytopenia, agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients receiving leflunomide or teriflunomide alone, but most frequently in patients taking concurrent immunosuppressants.(1,2) Severe and potentially fatal infections, including sepsis, have been reported in patients receiving leflunomide or teriflunomide, especially Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and aspergillosis. Tuberculosis has also been reported.(1,2)
Selected Myelosuppressive Agents/Clozapine
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clozapine and other myelosuppressive agents may be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Moderate neutropenia, even if due to combination therapy, may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). The disease treated by the myelosuppressive agent may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of the myelosuppressive agent. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with a myelosuppressive agent, the clozapine prescriber should consult with prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent (e.g. oncologist) to discuss treatment and monitoring options.(2) More frequent absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that prescribers monitor patients' ANC according to the monitoring frequencies described in the prescribing information. Severe neutropenia remains a serious, potentially fatal risk that is greatest in the first several months of clozapine treatment. ANC monitoring can help identify neutropenia early to allow for timely intervention.(1-2) Australia, Canada, and U.K.: Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing. For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(2)
DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of clozapine and selected myelosuppressive agents may require more frequent ANC monitoring or consideration of treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes. Agents linked to this interaction generally have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(3-26)
Selected Myelosuppressive Agents/Deferiprone
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of deferiprone with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis may increase the frequency or risk for severe toxicity.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of deferiprone and myelosuppressive agents may result in severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis, which may be fatal.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Agranulocytosis may be less common in patients receiving deferiprone for thalassemia, and more common in patients treated for other systemic iron overload conditions (e.g. myelodysplastic syndromes, sickle cell disease).(2,3) Inadequate monitoring appears to increase the risk for severe outcomes. Manufacturer post market surveillance found that in all fatal cases of agranulocytosis reported between 1999 and 2005, data on weekly white blood count (WBC) monitoring was missing. In three fatal cases, deferiprone was continued for two to seven days after the detection of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(2)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, discontinue one of the drugs associated with risk for neutropenia or agranulocytosis. If alternative therapy is not available, documentation and adherence to the deferiprone monitoring protocol is essential. Baseline absolute neutrophil count (ANC) must be at least 1,500/uL prior to starting deferiprone. Monitor ANC weekly during therapy. If infection develops, interrupt deferiprone therapy and monitor ANC more frequently. If ANC is less than 1,500/uL but greater than 500/uL, discontinue deferiprone and any other drugs possibly associated with neutropenia. Initiate ANC and platelet counts daily until recovery (i.e. ANC at least 1,500/uL). If ANC is less than 500/uL, discontinue deferiprone, evaluate patient and hospitalize if appropriate. Do not resume deferiprone unless potential benefits outweigh potential risks.(1)
DISCUSSION: Drugs linked to this monograph have an FDA Boxed Warning for risk of neutropenia, agranulocytosis, or pancytopenia, or have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(1-25) In pooled clinical studies submitted to the FDA, 6.1% of deferiprone patients met criteria for neutropenia and 1.7% of patients developed agranulocytosis.(1) The time to onset of agranulocytosis was highly variable with a range of 65 days to 9.2 years (median, 161 days).(3)
Selected Myelosuppressive Agents/Dipyrone
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of dipyrone with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis may increase the frequency or risk for severe toxicity.(1-29)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of dipyrone with agents that cause bone marrow depression, including myelosuppressives, may result in an enhanced risk of hematologic disorders, including anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow depression may increase the risk of serious infections and bleeding. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal.(1-29)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of dipyrone and myelosuppressive agents should be avoided. The European Medicines Agency states dipyrone is contraindicated in patients with a prior medical history of dipyrone-induced agranulocytosis (or from other pyrazolones/pyrazolidines), impaired bone marrow function or diseases of the hematopoietic system.(3) International labeling for dipyrone and methotrexate state that co-administration may increase the hematotoxicity of methotrexate, especially in elderly patients, and therefore should be avoided.(1-2) The European Medicines Agency advises if agranulocytosis is suspected with dipyrone, a complete blood count (including differential blood count) should be performed immediately, and treatment must be stopped while waiting for the results. If confirmed, treatment must not be reintroduced.(1-3)
DISCUSSION: A retrospective cohort study analyzed new users of dipyrone (n=444,972), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n=3,814,367) which served as a reference cohort, and opioids-paracetamol (n=3,129,221) which was the negative control. During continuous treatment over a median of 37-40 days, 26 cases of hospitalized agranulocytosis occurred. With the assumption that agranulocytosis onset was 7 days prior to admission, the hazard ratio of agranulocytosis associated with dipyrone was 4.40 [0.90-21.57] compared to NSAIDs and 2.45 [0.68-8.83] compared to opioid-paracetamol. HR of neutropenia from dipyrone was 2.98 [1.57-5.65] compared to NSAIDs and not statistically significant compared to opioids-paracetamol. In a sensitivity analysis assuming that the onset of agranulocytosis was the date of hospitalization, the HR of dipyrone-induced agranulocytosis was 7.20 [95% confidence interval: 1.92-26.99] compared to NSAIDs and 3.31 [1.17-9.34] compared to opioids-paracetamol. Agranulocytosis was very rare but more than 4 times more common with dipyrone than other analgesics.(4) In a review of 1,448 reports of agranulocytosis attributed to dipyrone, patients with fatal outcomes were older and more often had also received methotrexate compared to those with non-fatal outcomes (odds ratio: 5.18; 95% confidence interval: 3.06-8.78).(5) Agents linked to this interaction generally have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(2,6-26)
Slt Immunosuppress; Immunomodulator/Ropeginterferon Alfa-2B
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ropeginterferon alfa-2b and immunosuppressives both suppress the immune system.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ropeginterferon alfa-2b with immunosuppressives may result in an increased risk of serious infections.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concurrent use of myelosuppressive agents.(1-2) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor for effects of excessive immunosuppression.
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 20% of patients experienced leukopenia. Interferon alfa products may cause fatal or life-threatening infections.(1-2)
Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
Antineoplastics/Digoxin, Oral
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Decreased gastrointestinal digoxin absorption.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The pharmacologic effects of digoxin may be decreased.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Monitor serum digoxin concentrations and observe the patient for a decrease in pharmacologic activity. Adjust the dose of digoxin accordingly. Substituting digitoxin or digoxin capsules for digoxin tablets may circumvent this interaction.
DISCUSSION: There are a number of factors affecting the outcome of this interaction. The effects of antineoplastic therapy on the gastrointestinal absorption of digoxin have only been studied with certain chemotherapeutic agents or regimens (e.g., bleomycin, carmustine, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, doxorubicin, methotrexate, procarbazine, vincristine). The interaction appears to occur with the administration of oral digoxin tablets as opposed to digoxin capsules. The gastrointestinal absorption of digitoxin does not seem to be altered by antineoplastic therapy.
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Cladribine Oncology Inj
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cladribine in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1-4)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cladribine with immunosuppressive or immune-modulating agents may result in an increased risk of serious infections.(1-4)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for cladribine regarding this interaction differ between regulatory approving agencies. The cladribine US, UK, and Australian prescribing information state: -Caution should be exercised if cladribine injection is administered before, after, or in conjunction with other drugs known to cause immunosuppression or myelosuppression.(1-3) The cladribine Canadian prescribing information states: -Proceed carefully in patients with severe bone marrow impairment of any etiology since further suppression of bone marrow function should be anticipated.(4)
DISCUSSION: Severe bone marrow suppression, including neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia, has been commonly observed in patients treated with cladribine injection, especially at high doses.(1-4)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Covid-19 Vaccines
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Immunosuppressants and immunomodulators may prevent the immune system from properly responding to the COVID-19 vaccine.(1-3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Administration of a COVID-19 vaccine with immunosuppressants or immunomodulators may interfere with vaccine-induced immune response and impair the efficacy of the vaccine. However, patients should be offered and given a COVID-19 vaccine even if the use and timing of immunosuppressive agents cannot be adjusted.(1-3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),(1) Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA),(2) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)(3) have published guidances for COVID-19 vaccination in patients on immunosuppressants. The CDC states that all immunocompromised patients over 6 months of age should receive at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine if eligible. See the CDC's Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines for specific recommendations based on age, vaccination history, and vaccine manufacturer.(1) The CDC advises planning for vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting or resuming immunosuppressive therapy.(1) IDSA recommends timing COVID-19 vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting or at least 3 months after completing immunosuppressive therapy.(2) The ACR states that in general, immunosuppressants and immunomodulators should be held for 1-2 weeks after each vaccine dose.(3) Patients should be offered and given a COVID-19 vaccine even if the use and timing of immunosuppressive agents cannot be adjusted, though the immune response will likely be blunted. COVID-19 vaccines should not be delayed in patients taking immunosuppressive therapies.(1-2) See below for specific recommendations for certain agents. B-cell depleting agents, including rituximab: The CDC states that the utility of B-cell quantification to guide clinical care is not known and is not recommended. Patients who receive B-cell depleting therapy on a continuing basis should receive COVID-19 vaccines about 4 weeks before the next scheduled dose. For patients who received 1 or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine during treatment with B-cell-depleting therapies that were administered over a limited period (e.g., as part of a treatment regimen for certain malignancies), revaccination may be considered according to the current CDC recommendations for unvaccinated patients. The suggested interval to start revaccination is about 6 months after completion of the B-cell-depleting therapy.(1) IDSA recommends waiting for at least 3-6 months after the last infusion of B-cell depleting therapy before administering COVID-19 vaccines.(2) The ACR recommends consulting with the rheumatologist to determine optimal timing of COVID-19 vaccination. Measuring CD19 B cells may be considered to determine need for a booster vaccine dose. If B cell levels are not measured, a supplemental vaccine dose 2-4 weeks before the next scheduled dose of rituximab is recommended.(3) Recipients of hematopoietic cell transplant or CAR-T-cell therapy who received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine prior to or during treatment should undergo revaccination following the current CDC recommendations for unvaccinated patients. Revaccination should start at least 3 months (12 weeks) after transplant or CAR-T-cell therapy.(1,2) The CDC includes abatacept, cyclophosphamide, and TNF-alpha and cytokine inhibitors in their general recommendation to hold therapy for at least 2 weeks following vaccination (1) while the ACR provides different recommendations:(3) *Abatacept: - Subcutaneous abatacept should be withheld for 1-2 weeks after each vaccine dose, as disease activity allows. - For intravenous abatacept, time administration so that vaccination will occur 1 week before the next abatacept infusion. *Cyclophosphamide: When feasible, administer cyclophosphamide 1 week after each COVID-19 vaccine dose. *TNF-alpha inhibitors and cytokine inhibitors: The ACR was not able to reach consensus on whether to modify dosing or timing of these agents with COVID-19 vaccination.
DISCUSSION: IDSA recommendations are based on cohort and case control studies in immunocompromised patients that found low to modest vaccine effectiveness (37-61%) but lower risks of COVID-19 association hospitalization, COVID-19 related mortality, and critical illness.(2) The ACR convened a COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Task Force to provide guidance on optimal use of COVID-19 vaccines in rheumatology patients. These recommendations are based on limited clinical evidence of COVID-19 vaccines in patients without rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders and evidence of other vaccines in this patient population.(3) The ACR recommendation for rituximab is based on studies of humoral immunity following receipt of other vaccines. These studies have uncertain generalizability to vaccination against COVID-19, as it is unknown if efficacy is attributable to induction of host T cells versus B cell (antibody-based) immunity.(3) The ACR recommendation for mycophenolate is based on preexisting data of mycophenolate on non-COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity. Emerging data suggests that mycophenolate may impair SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease and transplant patients.(3) The ACR recommendation for methotrexate is based on data from influenza vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines with methotrexate.(3) The ACR recommendation for JAK inhibitors is based on concerns related to the effects of JAK inhibitors on interferon signaling that may result in a diminished vaccine response.(3) The ACR recommendation for subcutaneous abatacept is based on several studies suggesting a negative effect of abatacept on vaccine immunogenicity. The first vaccine dose primes naive T cells, naive T cell priming is inhibited by CTLA-4, and abatacept is a CTLA-4Ig construct. CTLA-4 should not inhibit boosts of already primed T cells at the time of the second vaccine dose.(3)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Sarilumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sarilumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sarilumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sarilumab recommends caution because the concurrent use of sarilumab with immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1)
DISCUSSION: Sarilumab was studied as monotherapy and in combination with methotrexate or conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis studies. Sarilumab has not been studied with biological DMARDs and concurrent use should be avoided. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents.(1) The most common infections reported by sarilumab treated patients in the clinical trial periods included pneumonia and cellulitis. Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving sarilumab. Cases of tuberculosis, candidiasis, and pneumocystis with sarilumab have been reported.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Tocilizumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tocilizumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of tocilizumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tocilizumab recommends caution because the concurrent use of tocilizumab with immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1)
DISCUSSION: Tocilizumab was studied as monotherapy and in combination with methotrexate, non-biologic DMARDs or corticosteroids, depending on the indication. Tocilizumab has not been studied with biological DMARDs and concurrent use should be avoided. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents.(1) The most common infections reported by tocilizumab treated patients in the clinical trial periods included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving tocilizumab. Cases of tuberculosis, cryptococcus, aspergillosis, candidiasis, and pneumocystosis have been reported.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Ublituximab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ublituximab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ublituximab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ublituximab recommends caution because the concurrent use of ublituximab with immunomodulating or immunosuppressive agents, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents. When switching from agents with immune effects, the half-life and mechanism of action of these drugs must be taken into consideration in order to prevent additive immunosuppressive effects.(1)
DISCUSSION: The most common infections reported by ublituximab-treated patients in the clinical trial periods included upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. Serious, including life-threatening or fatal, bacterial and viral infections were observed in patients receiving ublituximab.(1) Serious and/or fatal bacterial, fungal, and new or reactivated viral infections have been associated with other anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapies. There were no cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) reported during the clinical trials; however, there have been reports of PML during or following completion of other anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapies.(1)
Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators/Ustekinumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ustekinumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ustekinumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ustekinumab recommends caution because the concurrent use of ustekinumab with immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1)
DISCUSSION: Ustekinumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressants in psoriasis studies. In psoriatic arthritis studies, concomitant methotrexate use did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab. In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis studies, concomitant use of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents.(1) The most common infections reported by ustekinumab treated patients in the clinical trial periods included nasopharyngitis(8%) and upper respiratory tract infection(5%). Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving ustekinumab. Cases of interstitial pneumonia, eosinophilic pneumonia, and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia resulting in respiratory failure or prolonged hospitalization have been reported in patients receiving ustekinumab.(1)
Maois/Selected Antidiabetics
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism by which MAO inhibitors affect carbohydrate metabolism and subsequent enhancement of the hypoglycemic action of insulin is not clear. The adrenergic response to hypoglycemia may be blocked by insulin release caused by MAOI's. In vitro studies have shown that MAO inhibitors are capable of both potentiating and inhibiting insulin release, depending on their concentrations. Stimulation of glucose-mediated insulin secretion is believed to be related to the MAO inhibitory effects of the drugs.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The hypoglycemic response to both insulin and glucose lowering agents including alpha glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, and sulfonylurea may be increased.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent MAO inhibitor therapy for depression in a diabetic patient will often require reduction in dosage of the hypoglycemic agent because of enhanced hypoglycemic effects. Since the extent of the reaction is highly unpredictable, any diabetic patients receiving MAO inhibitors should be monitored for possible excessive hypoglycemia.
DISCUSSION: This interaction is likely to occur. The interaction between MAOIs and insulin is well documented. Additional documentation is necessary to confirm the potential interaction of MAOI's with other glucose lowering agents including alpha glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, and sulfonylureas but is expected to occur based on pharmacologic similarity. It may take several weeks for the full hypoglycemic effect of the MAOI to occur. Conversely, it may take several weeks for the effect to dissipate after stopping the MAOI. Furazolidone is known to be a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.
Contraindications
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- Alcohol use disorder
- Lactation
- Anemia
- Bacterial infection
- Bone marrow depression
- Disease of liver
- Leukopenia
- Opportunistic fungal infection
- Opportunistic viral infection
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pregnancy
- Protozoal infection
- Thrombocytopenic disorder
- Kidney disease with likely reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
Adverse reactions
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More Frequent
- Acute cognitive impairment
- Amenorrhea
- Anemia
- Hallucinations
- Hemolytic anemia
- Immunosuppression
- Infection
- Interstitial pneumonitis
- Leukopenia
- Seizure disorder
- Thrombocytopenic disorder
Less Frequent
- Diarrhea
- Drug-induced hepatitis
- Jaundice
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Stomatitis
Rare or Very Rare
- Allergic dermatitis
- Dyspnea
- Hypertensive crisis
- Skin rash
- Urticaria
- Wheezing
More Frequent
- Arthralgia
- Drowsy
- Fatigue
- General weakness
- Insomnia
- Muscle fasciculation
- Myalgia
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Vomiting
Less Frequent
- Alopecia
- Anorexia
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dysphagia
- Flushing
- Headache disorder
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Skin thickening
- Xerostomia
Precautions
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Procarbazine can cause fetal toxicity when administered to a pregnant woman, but potential benefits from use of the drug may be acceptable in certain conditions despite possible risks to the fetus. Although there are no adequate and well-controlled studies using procarbazine in pregnant women, malformations have been reported in infants born to women receiving procarbazine in combination with other antineoplastic agents during pregnancy. Procarbazine hydrochloride has been reported to cause fetal toxicity and teratogenicity in rats. Procarbazine is teratogenic in rats when given at dosages approximately 4-13 times the maximum recommended human dosage of 6 mg/kg daily. Although procarbazine has not been adequately studied in animals for its effects on perinatal or postnatal development, neurogenic tumors were observed in the offspring of rats given procarbazine 125 mg/kg IV on day 22 of gestation; compounds such as procarbazine that inhibit synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein may be expected to have adverse effects on fetal and child development.
Procarbazine should be used during pregnancy only in life-threatening situations or severe disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective. When procarbazine is administered during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving the drug, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant during therapy with procarbazine.
It is not known whether procarbazine is distributed into milk. Because of the potential for tumorigenicity demonstrated in animal studies and the potential for serious adverse reactions to procarbazine in nursing infants, nursing should not be undertaken by women receiving the drug.
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ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hodgkin's lymphoma | ||
| C81 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma |
| C81.0 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma |
| C81.00 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site |
| C81.01 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck |
| C81.02 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes |
| C81.03 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes |
| C81.04 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb |
| C81.05 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb |
| C81.06 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes |
| C81.07 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, spleen |
| C81.08 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites |
| C81.09 | ICD10CM | Nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites |
| C81.1 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma |
| C81.10 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site |
| C81.11 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck |
| C81.12 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes |
| C81.13 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes |
| C81.14 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb |
| C81.15 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb |
| C81.16 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes |
| C81.17 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, spleen |
| C81.18 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites |
| C81.19 | ICD10CM | Nodular sclerosis hodgkin lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites |
| C81.2 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma |
| C81.20 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site |
| C81.21 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck |
| C81.22 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes |
| C81.23 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes |
| C81.24 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb |
| C81.25 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb |
| C81.26 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes |
| C81.27 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, spleen |
| C81.28 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites |
| C81.29 | ICD10CM | Mixed cellularity hodgkin lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites |
| C81.3 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma |
| C81.30 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site |
| C81.31 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck |
| C81.32 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes |
| C81.33 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes |
| C81.34 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb |
| C81.35 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb |
| C81.36 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes |
| C81.37 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, spleen |
| C81.38 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites |
| C81.39 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte depleted hodgkin lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites |
| C81.4 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma |
| C81.40 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site |
| C81.41 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck |
| C81.42 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes |
| C81.43 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes |
| C81.44 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb |
| C81.45 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb |
| C81.46 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes |
| C81.47 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, spleen |
| C81.48 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites |
| C81.49 | ICD10CM | Lymphocyte-rich hodgkin lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites |
| C81.7 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma |
| C81.70 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site |
| C81.71 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck |
| C81.72 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes |
| C81.73 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes |
| C81.74 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb |
| C81.75 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb |
| C81.76 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes |
| C81.77 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, spleen |
| C81.78 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites |
| C81.79 | ICD10CM | Other hodgkin lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites |
| C81.9 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified |
| C81.90 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, unspecified site |
| C81.91 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck |
| C81.92 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, intrathoracic lymph nodes |
| C81.93 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, intra-abdominal lymph nodes |
| C81.94 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb |
| C81.95 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb |
| C81.96 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, intrapelvic lymph nodes |
| C81.97 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, spleen |
| C81.98 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of multiple sites |
| C81.99 | ICD10CM | Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, extranodal and solid organ sites |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
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