Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

No dosage reduction is recommended; however, if immune-mediated adverse reactions occur, temporary or permanent discontinuance of pembrolizumab therapy may be required based on severity of the reaction.

In general, pembrolizumab therapy should be temporarily withheld in patients with severe (grade 3) immune-mediated adverse reactions, and should be permanently discontinued in patients experiencing life-threatening (grade 4) immune-mediated adverse reactions that require systemic immunosuppressive therapy. Therapy with the drug also should be permanently discontinued in patients unable to reduce corticosteroid dosage to <=10 mg of prednisone daily (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids.

When adverse effects occur during concomitant use of pembrolizumab with lenvatinib, modification of the dosage of one or both agents is recommended. Temporary or permanent discontinuance of pembrolizumab may be required based on the severity of the reaction. Refer to the lenvatinib prescribing information for additional dosage modifications.

Hematologic Toxicity: If grade 4 hematologic toxicity occurs in patients with cHL or PMBCL, therapy with IV pembrolizumab should be interrupted until the toxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1.

Immune-mediated Pneumonitis: If grade 2 immune-mediated pneumonitis occurs, pembrolizumab therapy should be interrupted until the toxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1 and the corticosteroid dosage has been tapered. Therapy with the drug should be permanently discontinued in patients who do not recover to grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids or who are unable to reduce corticosteroid dosage to <=10 mg of prednisone daily (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids.

If grade 3 or 4 immune-mediated pneumonitis occurs, pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

Immune-mediated GI Effects: If grade 2 or 3 immune-mediated colitis occurs, pembrolizumab therapy should be interrupted until the toxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1 and the corticosteroid dosage has been tapered. Therapy with the drug should be permanently discontinued in patients who do not recover to grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids or who are unable to reduce corticosteroid dosage to <=10 mg of prednisone daily (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids.

If grade 4 immune-mediated colitis occurs, pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

Immune-mediated Hepatotoxicity (Except When Used in Combination with Axitinib): For serum aminotransferase (ALT or AST) elevations exceeding 3 times and up to 8 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) or total bilirubin concentrations exceeding 1.5 times and up to 3 times the ULN in patients without liver tumor involvement experiencing hepatotoxicity, pembrolizumab therapy should be interrupted until the toxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1 and the corticosteroid dosage has been tapered. Therapy with the drug should be permanently discontinued in patients who do not recover to grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids or who are unable to reduce corticosteroid dosage to <=10 mg of prednisone daily (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids.

For ALT or AST elevations exceeding 8 times the ULN or total bilirubin concentrations exceeding 3 times the ULN in patients without liver tumor involvement experiencing hepatotoxicity, pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

When AST and ALT concentrations are <=ULN at baseline in patients with liver tumor involvement experiencing hepatotoxicity, temporary or permanent discontinuance of pembrolizumab may be based on recommendations for hepatotoxicity in patients without liver tumor involvement.

In patients with liver tumor involvement and baseline ALT or AST concentrations exceeding 1 time and up to 3 times the ULN who experience increases in ALT or AST concentrations exceeding 5 times and up to 10 times the ULN, pembrolizumab therapy should be interrupted until hepatotoxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1 or the AST and ALT concentrations return to baseline. Therapy with the drug should be permanently discontinued in patients who do not recover to grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids or who are unable to reduce corticosteroid dosage to <=10 mg of prednisone daily (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids.

In patients with liver tumor involvement and baseline ALT or AST concentrations exceeding 3 times and up to 5 times the ULN who experience increases in ALT or AST concentrations exceeding 8 times and up to 10 times the ULN, pembrolizumab therapy should be interrupted until hepatotoxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1 or the AST and ALT concentrations return to baseline. Therapy with the drug should be permanently discontinued in patients who do not recover to grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids or who are unable to reduce corticosteroid dosage to <=10 mg of prednisone daily (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids.

For ALT or AST concentrations exceeding 10 times the ULN in patients with liver tumor involvement, pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

For total bilirubin concentrations exceeding 3 times the ULN in patients with liver tumor involvement, pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

Hepatotoxicity When Used in Combination with Axitinib for RCC: For treatment of liver enzyme elevations in patients experiencing adverse hepatotoxic effects from pembrolizumab therapy in combination with axitinib, consider corticosteroid therapy.

For ALT or AST concentrations that are >=3 times but less than 10 times the ULN in patients receiving pembrolizumab with concomitant axitinib and without concurrent total bilirubin concentrations of at least 2 times the ULN, pembrolizumab and axitinib therapy should be interrupted until the toxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1. A single-agent rechallenge or sequential rechallenge with both drugs may be considered after resolution of toxicity. If therapy with axitinib is rechallenged, consider dosage reduction according to the axitinib prescribing information.

For ALT or AST concentrations exceeding 3 times the ULN with concurrent total bilirubin concentrations >=2 times ULN, pembrolizumab and axitinib should both be permanently discontinued.

For ALT or AST concentrations >=10 times the ULN, pembrolizumab and axitinib should both be permanently discontinued.

Immune-mediated Endocrine Effects: If grade 3 or 4 immune-mediated endocrinopathies occur, pembrolizumab therapy should be interrupted until the patient is clinically stable or the drug should be permanently discontinued.

Immune-mediated Renal Effects: If grade 2 or 3 immune-mediated nephritis occurs with increased serum creatinine concentrations, pembrolizumab therapy should be interrupted until the toxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1 and the corticosteroid dosage has been tapered. Therapy with the drug should be permanently discontinued in patients who do not recover to grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids or who are unable to reduce the corticosteroid dosage to <=10 mg of prednisone daily (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids.

If grade 4 immune-mediated nephritis occurs with increased serum creatinine concentrations, pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

Immune-mediated Dermatologic Effects: If Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), or drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is suspected, pembrolizumab therapy should be interrupted until the toxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1 and the corticosteroid dosage has been tapered. Therapy with the drug should be permanently discontinued in patients who do not recover to grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids or who are unable to reduce corticosteroid dosage to <=10 mg of prednisone daily (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroid therapy.

If SJS, TEN, or DRESS is confirmed, pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

Immune-mediated Cardiac Effects: If grade 2--4 immune-mediated myocarditis occurs, pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

Immune-mediated Neurologic Effects: If grade 2 immune-mediated neurologic toxicity occurs, pembrolizumab therapy should be interrupted until the toxicity resolves to grade 0 or 1 and the corticosteroid dosage has been tapered. Therapy with the drug should be permanently discontinued in patients who do not recover to grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroids or who are unable to reduce corticosteroid dosage to <=10 mg of prednisone daily (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating corticosteroid therapy.

If grade 3 or 4 immune-mediated neurologic toxicity occurs, pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

Administration-related Reactions: If grade 1 or 2 infusion-related reactions occur with IV pembrolizumab, the infusion should be interrupted or the infusion rate should be slowed.

If grade 3 or 4 infusion-related reactions occur, IV pembrolizumab therapy should be permanently discontinued.

If grade 1 or 2 hypersensitivity or administration-related systemic reactions occur with subcutaneous pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa, the injection should be interrupted (if it has not already been fully administered); the injection can be resumed if symptoms resolve. If grade 3 or 4 hypersensitivity or administration-related systemic reactions occur with subcutaneous pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa, therapy should be permanently discontinued.

Pembrolizumab is commercially available as an injection concentrate that must be diluted prior to IV administration. Pembrolizumab is administered by IV infusion only.

Pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph is administered by subcutaneous injection only; it should not be administered IV. Pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph is commercially available as ready-to-use single-dose vials that do not require further dilution.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed to date with pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa.

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)

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)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Biologic Therapies/Anifrolumab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of anifrolumab with other biologic therapies may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of anifrolumab with other biologic therapies may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of anifrolumab with other biologic therapies is not recommended.(1)

DISCUSSION: The combination of anifrolumab with other biologic therapies has not been studied and is not recommended.(1)

Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Efgartigimod-Alfa

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Efgartigimod-alfa binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of efgartigimod-alfa states that efgartigimod-alfa should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, efgartigimod-alfa should be discontinued.(3)

DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with efgartigimod-alfa have not been performed. Efgartigimod-alfa may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)

Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Nipocalimab-Aahu

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Nipocalimab-aahu binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of nipocalimab-aahu states that nipocalimab-aahu should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, nipocalimab-aahu should be discontinued.(3)

DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with nipocalimab-aahu have not been performed. Nipocalimab-aahu may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)

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/Ozanimod

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ozanimod in combination with immunosuppressives and immune-modulators all suppress the immune system.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: 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 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. Initiating treatment with ozanimod after alemtuzumab is not recommended. However, ozanimod 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/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)

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)

Pd-1 And Pd-L1 Blocking Antibodies/Thalidomide Analogues

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The mechanism of this interaction is not known.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a thalidomide analogue with dexamethasone and a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody may increase the risk of mortality.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of dexamethasone may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), ischemic heart disease including myocardial infarction, and stroke.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent administration of a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.

DISCUSSION: Two randomized clinical trials in multiple myeloma patients showed an increase in mortality associated with the concurrent use of pembrolizumab, a thalidomide analogue, and dexamethasone. In the first clinical trial, patients were randomized to receive pomalidomide, dexamethasone, and pembrolizumab. In this trial, the relative risk of death was increased by more than 50% in the experimental arm containing pembrolizumab and the hazard ratio for overall survival was 1.61. Causes of death in the experimental arm included myocarditis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, myocardial infarction, pericardial hemorrhage, cardiac failure, respiratory tract infection, neutropenia sepsis, sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction, and respiratory failure. In the second clinical trial, patients were randomized to receive lenalidomide, dexamethasone, and pembrolizumab. In this trial, the relative risk of death was increased by more than 100% in the experimental arm containing pembrolizumab and the hazard ratio for overall survival was 2.06. Causes of death in the experimental arm included intestinal ischemia, cardio-respiratory arrest, pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrest, pneumonia, sudden death, myocarditis, large intestinal perforation, and cardiac failure. PD-1 and PD-L1 blocking antibodies linked to this monograph include atezolizumab, avelumab, cemiplimab, cosibelimab, dostarlimab, durvalumab, ivonescimab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, penpulimab, retifanlimab, sintilimab, sugemalimab, and toripalimab.

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.

Biologic Therapies/Belimumab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of belimumab with other biologic therapies may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of belimumab with other biologic therapies may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of belimumab with other biologic therapies should be approached with caution.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, more patients who received belimumab and rituximab experienced serious adverse events, serious infections, and post-injection systemic reactions (22.2%, 9%, and 13.2%, respectively) than patients who received belimumab with placebo (13.9%, 2.8%, 9.7%) or standard therapy (19.7%, 5.3%, 5.3%).(1) The combination of belimumab with other biologic therapies has not been studied and should be used cautiously.(1)

Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Rozanolixizumab-Noli

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Rozanolixizumab-noli binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medications that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of rozanolixizumab-noli states that concurrent use with medications that bind to the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) should be closely monitored for reduced effectiveness of these medications. If long-term use of such medications is essential for the patient, consider discontinuing rozanolixizumab-noli and use alternative therapies.(3)

DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with rozanolixizumab-noli have not been performed. Rozanolixizumab-noli may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/Proton Pump Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The mechanism of this interaction has not been fully investigated. Proposed mechanisms include: 1. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-induced changes of the microbiota (dysbiosis) causing resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, 2. Co-administration of PPIs with corticosteroids or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors resulting in poorer prognosis.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: PPIs may decrease the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Several observational studies have shown a reduction in progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and tumor response in patients on concurrent treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and PPIs.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and PPIs should be approached with caution. Manufacturers of immune checkpoint inhibitors do not provide recommendations on the concurrent use of PPIs. Primary literature on the concurrent use of these agents include recommendations to evaluate the risks and benefits of PPI use and consideration of alternative therapy when possible such as histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) or antacids.(1-3)

DISCUSSION: A meta analysis of 23 studies evaluating the impact of acid suppressing therapy on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors found coadministration of a PPI decreased PFS (HR 1.34 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13 to 1.58]) and OS (HR 1.43 [95% CI, 1.21 to 1.69]) compared with patients not treated with PPIs. Furthermore, the meta analysis identified that H2RAs did not affect OS. These results were consistent across cancer types.(1) In another meta analysis of 22 studies (5 prospective and 17 retrospective, n=16,072) evaluating the impact of concomitant medications on survival outcomes in patients treated with systemic therapy for advanced unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, concomitant use of PPIs (n=3959) was significantly associated with worse OS in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (HR 1.22, P=0.01).(4) A retrospective analysis of 635 patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors found PPI use was associated with significantly decreased OS (9 vs 26.5 months), PFS (3.5 vs. 8 months), and tumor response (61% vs. 72%).(5) Analysis of retrospective data from clinical trials of atezolizumab for urothelial carcinoma and non-small-cell lung cancer, among patients using a PPI within 30 days before or after therapy initiation, OS was significantly worse for patients randomized to treatment with atezolizumab than for patients randomized to chemotherapy.(6,7) A retrospective study of 381 patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors found use of acid-suppression therapy (n=168 PPIs, n=37 potassium competitive acid blocker, n=13 H2RAs) was associated with significantly shorter PFS and OS (2.9 vs. 6.2 months and 12.3 vs. 24 months, respectively) compared with patients who did not use acid-suppression therapy. However, when stratified by concomitant use of corticosteroids or NSAIDs, use of acid-suppression therapy was not associated with worse progression-free or overall survival.(8) In a retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with pembrolizumab, exposure to PPIs was associated with worse OS (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.10-1.17).(9) Analysis of US and Japanese adverse drug event reporting system databases found administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors and PPIs was associated with an increased risk of adverse events including acute kidney injury (10) and congenital, familial and genetic disorders.(11) In a meta analysis of 14 observational studies, the risk of immune checkpoint inhibitor related AKI (ICI-AKI) in cancer patients concurrently using PPIs was found to be significantly higher (pooled OR of 1.84 [95% CI 1.16-2.90]) in comparison to the overall incidence of AKI from all-causes (1.57 [95% CI 1.02-2.40]).(12) In contrast to these findings, other studies have not found a negative effect on PFS or OS when patients are co-administered PPIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In a retrospective study of 159 patients treated with ipilimumab, coadministration of PPIs was associated with increased odds of experiencing a partial or complete response to ipilimumab (OR 3.73 [95% CI, 1.26 to 11.04]).(13) In another retrospective study of 233 patients who received nivolumab or pembrolizumab, use of PPI had no effect on OS (HR 1.2 [95% CI, 0.8-1.9]) or PFS (HR 1.1 [95% CI, 0.8 to 1.5]).(14) A nested case-control study of patients (n=38,930) with cancer who were new PPI or immune checkpoint inhibitor users and had no history of AKI before cohort entry, found the risk of AKI in patients treated with both PPIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors was not higher than then additional or multiplication of the risks in those who were treated with PPIs or immune checkpoint inhibitors alone. The study reinforces the association between PPIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors use and the increased risk of AKI and the need for careful monitoring and evaluation of kidney function when treated with both medicines.(15)

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)

*IV pembrolizumab: None.

*Subcutaneous pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa: hypersensitivity to berahyaluronidase alfa, hyaluronidase, or any drug excipients.

• Lactation

• Pregnancy

• Hyperglycemia
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease with reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
• Myasthenia gravis

Adverse effects reported in >=20% of patients in clinical studies receiving single-agent IV pembrolizumab include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, rash, diarrhea, pyrexia, cough, decreased appetite, pruritus, dyspnea, constipation, pain, abdominal pain, nausea, and hypothyroidism.

Adverse effects reported in >=20% of patients in clinical studies receiving IV pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy include fatigue/asthenia, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, cough, dyspnea, pyrexia, alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, mucosal inflammation, stomatitis, headache, weight loss, abdominal pain, arthralgia, myalgia, insomnia, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, urinary tract infection, hypothyroidism, radiation skin injury, dysphagia, dry mouth, and musculoskeletal pain.

Adverse effects reported in >=20% of patients in clinical studies receiving IV pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy plus bevacizumab include peripheral neuropathy, alopecia, anemia, fatigue/asthenia, nausea, neutropenia, diarrhea, hypertension, thrombocytopenia, constipation, arthralgia, vomiting, urinary tract infection, rash, leukopenia, hypothyroidism, decreased appetite, pyrexia, epistaxis, decreased WBC count, and stomatitis.

Adverse effects reported in >=20% of patients in clinical studies receiving IV pembrolizumab in combination with axitinib include diarrhea, fatigue/asthenia, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, hypothyroidism, decreased appetite, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, nausea, stomatitis/mucosal inflammation, dysphonia, rash, cough, and constipation.

Adverse effects reported in >=20% of patients in clinical studies receiving IV pembrolizumab in combination with lenvatinib include hypothyroidism, hypertension, fatigue, diarrhea, musculoskeletal disorders, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, stomatitis, weight loss, abdominal pain, urinary tract infection, proteinuria, constipation, headache, hemorrhagic events, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, dysphonia, rash, hepatotoxicity, and acute kidney injury.

Adverse effects reported in >=25% of patients in clinical studies receiving IV pembrolizumab in combination with belzutifan include decreased hemoglobin, increased alanineaminotransferase, fatigue, increased aspartate aminotransferase,decreased lymphocytes, and increased alkaline phosphatase.

Adverse effects reported in >=20% of patients in clinical studies receiving IV pembrolizumab in combination with enfortumab vedotin include rash, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, pruritus, diarrhea, alopecia, weight loss, decreased appetite, dry eyes, nausea, constipation, dysgeusia, and urinary tract infection.

Adverse effects reported in >=20% of patients in clinical studies receiving pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa in combination with chemotherapy include nausea, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain. The safety of pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa for its approved uses is also based on the safety of IV pembrolizumab given as a single agent or in combination with other antineoplastic agents.

More Frequent

• Anemia
• Cellulitis
• Hypothyroidism
• Lymphopenia

Less Frequent

• Abnormal hepatic function tests
• Acute cognitive impairment
• Acute kidney injury
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Bacterial sepsis
• Colitis
• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypokalemia
• Hyponatremia
• Hypophysitis
• Increased alanine transaminase
• Increased aspartate transaminase
• Interstitial pneumonitis
• Neutropenic disorder
• Pericardial effusion
• Pericardial tamponade
• Pericarditis
• Sinus tachycardia
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Thrombocytopenic disorder
• Tumor flare reaction

Rare or Very Rare

• Acute respiratory failure
• Acute thromboembolic stroke
• Adrenocortical insufficiency
• Anaphylaxis
• Aplastic anemia
• Atrial fibrillation
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Bullous pemphigoid
• Cardiac arrest
• Diabetes mellitus
• DRESS syndrome
• Encephalitis
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• Graft-versus-host disease
• Guillain-barre syndrome
• Hematuria
• Hemolytic anemia
• Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
• Hemorrhage
• Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis
• Hypersensitivity angiitis
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Hypotension
• Hypoxia
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Intestinal perforation
• Kidney disease with reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
• Myasthenia gravis
• Myelitis
• Myocarditis
• Nephritis
• New fistula formation involving an internal organ
• Optic neuritis
• Organ transplant rejection
• Pancreatitis
• Pituitary insufficiency
• Pleural effusions
• Pneumonia
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Polymyositis
• Pulmonary thromboembolism
• Renal failure
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Sarcoidosis
• Sclerosing cholangitis
• Seizure disorder
• Sepsis
• Stevens-johnson syndrome
• Suicidal
• Thyroiditis
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Urosepsis
• Uveitis
• Vasculitis

More Frequent

• Acute abdominal pain
• Anorexia
• Arthralgia
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dry eye
• Dysgeusia
• Dyspnea
• Eosinophilia
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Increased lactate acid dehydrogenase
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Nausea
• Pain
• Pruritus of skin
• Skin rash

Less Frequent

• Alopecia
• Back pain
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Elevated serum amylase
• Elevated serum lipase
• Facial edema
• Flushing
• General weakness
• Headache disorder
• Hypertension
• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Hypoalbuminemia
• Hypocalcemia
• Hypomagnesemia
• Hypophosphatemia
• Insomnia
• Leukopenia
• Maculopapular rash
• Myalgia
• Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia
• Peripheral edema
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Proteinuria
• Stomatitis
• Tachycardia
• Upper respiratory infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Vitiligo
• Voice change
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Rare or Very Rare

• Arthritis
• Gastritis
• Hyperglycemia
• Iritis
• Muscle weakness
• Myositis

No enhanced messaging available.

Safety and efficacy of single-agent IV pembrolizumab have been established in pediatric patients with melanoma, cHL, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) cancer, and tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) cancer. Safety and efficacy of single-agent pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa have been established in pediatric patients >=12 years of age who weigh >40 kg with melanoma, MCC, MSI-H or dMMR cancer, and TMB-H cancer.

Safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab therapy for the above indications in pediatric patients are supported by extrapolation of data from clinical studies evaluating IV pembrolizumab in adults, safety data in pediatric patients, and pharmacokinetic data indicating that age (range of 15-94 years or IV pembrolizumab and 37-87 years for pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa) does not have clinically important effects on clearance of the drug.

Safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab therapy in pediatric patients have not been established in other approved indications to date.

Pediatric patients (range: 10 months-17 years of age) receiving IV pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg every 3 weeks) had similar plasma concentrations of pembrolizumab to those observed in adults receiving the same dosage of the drug. In KEYNOTE-051, some adverse reactions occurred at a >=10% higher incidence in pediatric patients compared to adults, including pyrexia (33%), vomiting (29%), headache (25%), abdominal pain (23%), decreased lymphocyte count (13%), and decreased white blood cell count (11%). The median duration of exposure to pembrolizumab was 2.1 months (range: 1 day to 25 months). Laboratory abnormalities that occurred at a >=10% higher incidence were leukopenia (30%), neutropenia (28%), thrombocytopenia (22%), and grade 3 anemia (17%).

There are no human data available to inform the risk of embryo-fetal toxicity. Pembrolizumab and pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa may cause fetal harm if administered to pregnant women based on its mechanism of action. Pembrolizumab has the potential to cross the placenta; advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

Pregnancy status should be verified in women of reproductive potential prior to initiation of pembrolizumab therapy.

Reproduction studies have not been conducted in animals with pembrolizumab to assess its effects on reproduction and fetal development. In animal reproduction studies of berahyaluronidase alfa in pregnant rabbits, delayed fetal development was observed at doses >2500 times the human dose and increased post-implantation loss and visceral malformations were observed at doses >7500 times the human dose. In pregnant rats, no adverse effects on reproduction and fetal development were observed at doses >15,000 times higher than the human dose.

It is not known whether pembrolizumab or berahyaluronidase alfa is distributed into human milk. The effects of pembrolizumab on nursing infants or on milk production also are unknown. Maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) is present in human milk. The impact of local GI exposure and minimal systemic exposure to pembrolizumab and pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa on the breast-fed infant are not known. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to pembrolizumab in nursing infants, women should be advised to discontinue nursing during pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa therapy and for 4 months after the last dose.

The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for geriatric patients.

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab for melanoma, NSCLC, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and urothelial carcinoma, 48% of patients were >=65 years of age and 17% were >=75 years of age. No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger adults.

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab for cHL, 12% of patients were >=65 years of age. Patients >=65 years of age had a higher incidence of severe adverse reactions (50%) compared to younger adults (24%). A sufficient number of patients >=65 years of age were not included in cHL studies to assess if there are differences in pembrolizumab efficacy compared to younger adults.

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab in patients with Stage IB (T2a >=4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC following complete resection and platinum-based chemotherapy, 48% of patients were >=65 years of age. No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger adults.

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab in combination with paclitaxel, protein-bound paclitaxel, or gemcitabine and carboplatin in patients with TNBC, 23% of patients were >=65 years of age. No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger adults.

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab in combination with lenvatinib in patients with endometrial carcinoma, 50% of patients were >=65 years of age. No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger adults.

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab in combination with enfortumab vedotin in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, 44% of patients were 65-74 years of age and 26% were >=75 years of age. No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between patients >=65 years of age and younger adults; however, patients >=75 years of age experienced a higher incidence of fatal adverse effects compared to younger adults. The incidence of fatal adverse effects was 4% in patients <75 years of age compared to 7% in patients >=75 years of age.

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab in combination with enfortumab vedotin in patients with metastatic invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), 37% of patients were 65-74 years of age and 46% were >=75 years of age. Patients who were >=75 years of age had a higher incidence of fatal adverse reactions compared to those who were <75 years of age (12 versus 4%, respectively).

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab in combination with axitinib for RCC, 40% of patients were >=65 years of age. No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger adults.

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab in combination with chemoradiotherapy in patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer, 14% of patients were >=65 years of age. No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger adults.

In clinical trials evaluating IV pembrolizumab in combination with paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab in patients with ovarian cancer, 37% of patients were >=65 years of age and 9% were >=75 years of age. No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger adults.

In study MK-3745A-D77, which evaluated pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa in combination with platinum doublet chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC, 53% of patients were >=65 years of age and 16% were >=75 years of age. No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between geriatric patients and younger adults. The safety of pembrolizumab/berahyaluronidase alfa as single-agent therapy or in combination with other antineoplastic agents has been established based on adequate and well-controlled studies of IV pembrolizumab as a single agent or in combination with other antineoplastic drugs.