Can you take Rilonacept with Thalidomide?

Rilonacept has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Patients treated with rilonacept experienced increases in their mean total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The mean increases from baseline for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were 19 mg/dL, 2 mg/dL, 10 mg/dL, and 57 mg/dL respectively after 6 weeks of open-label therapy. Physicians should monitor the lipid profiles of their patients especially those with hyperlipidemias, and consider lipid-lowering therapies as needed based upon cardiovascular risk factors and current guidelines.

Thalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with HIV-1 Infection.

In two separate studies involving HIV-seropositive patients, the use of thalidomide was associated with an increase in plasma viral RNA levels. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown. Both studies were published prior to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART. Until more information is available, the interim recommendation is to measure the viral load after the first and third months of thalidomide treatment and every 3 months thereafter (or as often as indicated by the patient's antiretroviral regimen and clinical status).

Thalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

The use of thalidomide has been associated with dizziness and orthostatic hypotension. Therapy with thalidomide should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypotension. Rising slowly from a recumbent position is recommended.

Rilonacept has a moderate potential interaction with Infection.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockade may interfere with the immune response to infections. Treatment with other medication as rilonacept, that work through inhibition of IL-1 has been associated with an increased risk of serious infections, and serious infections have been reported in patients taking rilonacept compared with placebo. Rilonacept should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection. Treatment with rilonacept should not be initiated in patients with an active or chronic infection. Additionally, latent tuberculosis can be reactivated and should be treated before initiating therapy with rilonacept.

Rilonacept has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

No formal studies have been conducted to examine the pharmacokinetics of rilonacept administered subcutaneously in patients with hepatic impairment. Caution is advised if used on these patients.

Thalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

The use of thalidomide has been associated with decreased white blood cells counts, including neutropenia. Therapy with thalidomide should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting neutropenia. Treatment should not be initiated if absolute neutrophil count is below 750/mm3. Monitoring white blood cell count and differential routinely is recommended during treatment.

Thalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.

The use of thalidomide has been associated with the development of peripheral neuropathy, which is sometimes irreversible. Therapy with thalidomide should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting neuropathy and only after the neuropathy has returned to baseline. Patients should be monitored routinely for early signs of neuropathy including numbness, tingling, pain, or a burning sensation in the hands or feet. If symptoms of drug-induced neuropathy develop, thalidomide should be discontinued immediately.

Rilonacept has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

No formal studies have been conducted to examine the pharmacokinetics of rilonacept administered subcutaneously in patients with renal impairment. Caution is advised if used on these patients.

Thalidomide has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Seizures, including grand mal convulsions, have been reported during post-approval use of thalidomide in clinical practice. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. Most patients had disorders that may have predisposed them to seizure activity, and it is not currently known whether thalidomide has any epileptogenic influence. During therapy with thalidomide, patients with a history of seizures or with other risk factors for the development of seizures should be monitored closely for clinical changes that could precipitate acute seizure activity.

Rilonacept has a moderate potential interaction with Tuberculosis, Latent.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockade may interfere with the immune response to infections. Treatment with other medication as rilonacept, that work through inhibition of IL-1 has been associated with an increased risk of serious infections, and serious infections have been reported in patients taking rilonacept compared with placebo. Rilonacept should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection. Treatment with rilonacept should not be initiated in patients with an active or chronic infection. Additionally, latent tuberculosis can be reactivated and should be treated before initiating therapy with rilonacept.

Rilonacept has a major potential interaction with Vaccination.

Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with rilonacept. Rilonacept may interfere with normal immune response to new antigens; therefore, vaccinations may not be effective in patients receiving rilonacept. No data are available on the effectiveness of vaccination with inactivated (killed) antigens in patients receiving rilonacept. Because IL-1 blockade may interfere with immune response to infections, it is recommended that prior to initiation of therapy with rilonacept adult and pediatric patients receive all recommended vaccinations, as appropriate, including pneumococcal vaccine and inactivated influenza vaccine.