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Drug Interactions between mercaptopurine and monomethyl fumarate

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

mercaptopurine monomethyl fumarate

Applies to: mercaptopurine and monomethyl fumarate

GENERALLY AVOID: The use of monomethyl fumarate (MMF) or its prodrugs, dimethyl fumarate and diroximel fumarate, with other immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infections. Treatment with MMF or its prodrugs can cause lymphopenia as well as serious and potentially life-threatening opportunistic infections (e.g., progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), herpes zoster, herpes simplex, West Nile virus, cytomegalovirus, Candida, Aspergillus, Nocardia, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and the risk may be theoretically potentiated in the presence of other agents that also suppress the immune system or bone marrow function. In multiple sclerosis studies, the concomitant treatment of relapses with a short course of intravenous corticosteroids was not associated with a clinically relevant increase of infection.

MANAGEMENT: The safety and efficacy of monomethyl fumarate (MMF), dimethyl fumarate, or diroximel fumarate in combination with other immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agents have not been evaluated. Until further information is available, concomitant use should be avoided if possible. Short courses of intravenous corticosteroids may be used in combination with MMF or its prodrugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses. When switching patients from one immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agent to another, the half-life and mode of action of each therapy should be considered to avoid unintended additive effects on the immune system while simultaneously reducing the risk of reactivation of multiple sclerosis.

References

  1. (2022) "Product Information. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)." Biogen Australia Pty Ltd
  2. (2023) "Product Information. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)." Biogen Idec Inc, SUPPL-29
  3. (2022) "Product Information. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)." Biogen Idec Ltd
  4. (2022) "Product Information. Skilarence (dimethyl fumarate)." Almirall Ltd
  5. (2022) "Product Information. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)." Biogen Idec Ltd
  6. (2023) "Product Information. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)." Biogen Idec Inc, SUPPL-9
  7. (2022) "Product Information. Furatec (dimethyl fumarate)." Pharmacor Pty Ltd, 03
View all 7 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

mercaptopurine food

Applies to: 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.