Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: The use of interleukin-1 blockers with other immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infections. Interleukin-1 blockade alone may cause neutropenia and serious infections, and the risk may be increased in the presence of 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: The safety and efficacy of interleukin-1 blockers in immunosuppressed patients have not been established. Until more information is available, interleukin-1 blockers should preferably not be administered to immunosuppressed patients, or they should be prescribed with extreme caution. Interleukin-1 blockers should be discontinued if neutropenia or serious infection occurs.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'biologic DMARDs' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'biologic DMARDs' category:

• anakinra
• Truxima (rituximab)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.