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Drug Interactions between alemtuzumab and Purixan

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

mercaptopurine alemtuzumab

Applies to: Purixan (mercaptopurine) and alemtuzumab

MONITOR: The use of alemtuzumab with other immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infections. Alemtuzumab alone may cause severe and prolonged myelosuppression, lymphopenia, and rarely, fatal bone marrow aplasia/hypoplasia, autoimmune idiopathic thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Serious, sometimes fatal opportunistic infections have been reported, and the risk may theoretically increase when coadministered with other immunosuppressive therapy. Agents that may be significantly myelo- or immunosuppressive include antineoplastic agents, radiation, zidovudine, linezolid, some antirheumatic agents, high dosages of corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic agents (greater than 10 mg/day to 1 mg/kg/day, whichever is less, of prednisone or equivalent for more than 2 weeks), and long-term topical or inhaled corticosteroids.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if alemtuzumab must be used in patients who have recently received or are receiving treatment with other immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive drugs, and vice versa. The manufacturer recommends that single doses of alemtuzumab not exceed 30 mg and cumulative weekly doses not exceed 90 mg, since higher dosages are associated with an increased incidence of pancytopenia. Close clinical and laboratory monitoring for the development of severe hematologic adverse effects is recommended both during and after discontinuation of therapy.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Campath (alemtuzumab)." Berlex Laboratories

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

mercaptopurine food

Applies to: Purixan (mercaptopurine)

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Limited data suggest that food may decrease the oral bioavailability of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). In one study, the pharmacokinetics of 6-MP were studied on two separate occasions in seven patients. A single dose of 6-MP was administered after an overnight fast on one occasion and 15 minutes after a standard breakfast on the other. The authors reported that peak plasma levels of 6-MP were lower and took longer to reach following administration in the fed state. In addition, plasma levels were undetectable (less than 20 ng/mL) in two patients.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available regarding the effect of food on 6-MP absorption, it may be advisable to take 6-MP on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

References

  1. Schmidt LE, Dalhoff K (2002) "Food-drug interactions." Drugs, 62, p. 1481-502

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.