Tofacitinib Citrate (tofacitinib citrate)

Dosage of tofacitinib citrate is expressed in terms of tofacitinib.

Dosage recommendations specific to the condition being treated should be followed.

If a serious infection develops, tofacitinib therapy should be interrupted until the infection has been controlled.

Tofacitinib therapy also should be interrupted or discontinued in patients with lymphopenia, neutropenia, or anemia.

In patients who develop a lymphocyte count of less than 500/mm3 (confirmed by repeat testing), tofacitinib should be discontinued.

In patients with a persistent decrease in ANC to 500-1000/mm3, tofacitinib therapy should be interrupted until the ANC exceeds 1000/mm3; tofacitinib therapy then may be resumed at the usual dosage of 5 mg twice daily (as conventional tablets) or 11 mg once daily (as extended-release tablets). Tofacitinib therapy should be discontinued in patients with an ANC of less than 500/mm3.

In patients with a decrease in hemoglobin concentration of more than 2 g/dL or with a hemoglobin concentration of less than 8 g/dL, tofacitinib therapy should be interrupted until the hemoglobin concentration has normalized.

In patients with a persistent decrease in ANC to 500-1000/mm3, tofacitinib therapy should be interrupted until the ANC exceeds 1000/mm3. Tofacitinib therapy should be discontinued in patients with an ANC of less than 500/mm3.

In patients who develop a lymphocyte count of less than 500/mm3 (confirmed by repeat testing), tofacitinib (as conventional tablets or extended-release tablets) should be discontinued.

In patients receiving tofacitinib (as conventional tablets) who have a persistent decrease in ANC to 500-1000/mm3 on a dosage of 10 mg twice daily, dosage of the drug should be reduced to 5 mg twice daily; when the ANC exceeds 1000/mm3, dosage may be returned to 10 mg twice daily based on clinical response. In patients with a persistent decrease in ANC to 500-1000/mm3 on a dosage of 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib therapy should be interrupted until the ANC exceeds 1000/mm3; therapy with tofacitinib conventional tablets then may be resumed at a dosage of 5 mg twice daily. Tofacitinib therapy should be discontinued in patients with an ANC of less than 500/mm3.

In patients receiving tofacitinib (as extended-release tablets) who have a persistent decrease in ANC to 500-1000/mm3 on a dosage of 22 mg once daily, dosage of the drug should be reduced to 11 mg once daily; when the ANC exceeds 1000/mm3, dosage may be returned to 22 mg once daily based on clinical response. In patients with a decrease in ANC to 500-1000/mm3 on a dosage of 11 mg once daily, tofacitinib therapy should be interrupted until the ANC exceeds 1000/mm3; therapy with tofacitinib extended-release tablets then may be resumed at a dosage of 11 mg once daily. Tofacitinib therapy should be discontinued in patients with an ANC of less than 500/mm3.

Tofacitinib citrate conventional tablets, oral solution, or extended-release tablets are administered orally without regard to meals. The extended-release tablets should be swallowed intact and should not be crushed, split, or chewed. The oral solution should be administered using the press-in bottle adapter and oral dosing syringe provided by the manufacturer.

Changes between conventional and extended-release tablets should be made by a clinician. Pediatric patients receiving 5 mg as oral solution may be switched to the equivalent dose as conventional tablets. The extended-release tablets and the oral solution are not interchangeable and should not be substituted for each other.

Store tofacitinib (conventional tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral solution) at 20-25degreesC; excursions permitted between 15-30degreesC for tofacitinib oral solution. Protect from light. Tofacitinib oral solution must be used within 60 days of opening; discard any remaining oral solution after 60 days.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

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)

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/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/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)

Tofacitinib/Immunosuppressive Moderate Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents that inhibit the CYP3A4 isoenzyme may inhibit the metabolism of tofacitinib.(1) Concurrent use of tofacitinib and potent immunosuppressants may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of immunosuppressive moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase levels of and effects from tofacitinib, including serious infections, thrombosis, gastrointestinal perforation, neutropenia, anemia, elevated liver enzymes, or lipid elevations.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients who are also on a drug that is a strong inhibitor of CYP2C19 are at higher risk of increased tofacitinib levels and effects.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of tofacitinib states that concurrent use with immunosuppressive drugs is not recommended.(1) If concurrent use is clinically indicated, patients should be monitored for decreases in lymphocytes and neutrophils. If lymphopenia or neutropenia occurs, therapy should be adjusted based on the indication as recommended in the prescribing information. If concurrent use is clinically indicated in patients taking a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor but not also a strong CYP2C19 inhibitor, no dosage modification of tofacitinib is recommended. Concurrent therapy with tofacitinib should be approached with caution as an interaction is likely.(1) In patients taking a strong CYP2C19 inhibitor in addition to a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, the dose of tofacitinib should be reduced as follows: - Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: reduce to 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz XR for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: switch to Xeljanz 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 5 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: 5 mg once daily. May consider 5 mg twice daily if loss of response. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest possible duration needed to maintain response. - Xeljanz XR for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 11 mg once daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: Not recommended. Switch to Xeljanz and follow recommendations with Xeljanz. - Xeljanz oral solution for polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) or psoriatic arthritis (patients 2 years or older): - >= 10 kg to <20 kg: 3.2 mg once daily - >= 20 kg to <40 kg: 4 mg once daily - >= 40 kg: 5 mg once daily.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study, administration of ketoconazole (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor), increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of tofacitinib by more than 2-fold. Fluconazole (a moderate CYP3A4 and strong CYP2C19 inhibitor) increased tofacitinib AUC by about 1.75-fold.(1) 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) Immunosuppressive moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: crizotinib, duvelisib, fedratinib, imatinib, nilotinib, rilzabrutinib, and treosulfan.(3-4)

Tofacitinib/Immunosuppressive Strong Cyp3a4 Inducers

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong inducers of CYP3A4 may induce the metabolism of tofacitinib.(1-3) Concurrent use of tofacitinib and potent immunosuppressants may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong inducer of CYP3A4 may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of tofacitinib.(1) Concurrent use of tofacitinib and potent immunosuppressants use may increase the risk of serious infections.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tofacitinib states that the concurrent use of immunosuppressive CYP3A4 inducers is not recommended and may result in loss of or reduced clinical response of tofacitinib and increased risk of infections.(1) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, 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: A study of 12 subjects received tofacitinib (30 mg) with concurrent rifampin (600 mg daily), a strong inducer of CYP3A4, with a decreased tofacitinib area-under-curve (AUC) by 84% and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 74%.(4) Drugs that are immunosuppressive strong CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: encorafenib.(2,3)

Tofacitinib/Immunosuppressive Strong Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents that inhibit the CYP3A4 isoenzyme may inhibit the metabolism of tofacitinib.(1) Concurrent use of tofacitinib and potent immunosuppressants may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of immunosuppressive strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase levels of and effects from tofacitinib, including serious infections, thrombosis, gastrointestinal perforation, neutropenia, anemia, elevated liver enzymes, or lipid elevations.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of tofacitinib states that concurrent use with immunosuppressive drugs is not recommended.(1) If concurrent use is clinically indicated, patients should be monitored for decreases in lymphocytes and neutrophils. If lymphopenia or neutropenia occurs, therapy should be adjusted based on the indication as recommended in the prescribing information. If concurrent use is clinically indicated in patients taking a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, the starting dose of tofacitinib should be reduced as follows: - Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: reduce to 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz XR for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: switch to Xeljanz 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 5 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: 5 mg once daily. May consider 5 mg twice daily if loss of response. - Xeljanz XR for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 11 mg once daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: Not recommended. Switch to Xeljanz and follow strong CYP3A4 inhibitor recommendation. - Xeljanz oral solution for polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) or psoriatic arthritis (patients 2 years or older): - >= 10 kg to <20 kg: 3.2 mg once daily - >= 20 kg to <40 kg: 4 mg once daily - >= 40 kg: 5 mg once daily (1)(1) For concurrent treatment with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, dose adjustments should be considered throughout the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment and for 3 days following the last dose of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a study, administration of ketoconazole, increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of tofacitinib by more than 2-fold.(1) 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) Immunosuppressive strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: idelalisib, lonafarnib, and ribociclib.(3,4)

Tofacitinib/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators

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)

Tofacitinib/Strong Cyp3a4 Inducers

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong inducers of CYP3A4 may induce the metabolism of tofacitinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong inducer of CYP3A4 may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of tofacitinib(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tofacitinib states that the concurrent use of CYP3A4 inducers is not recommended and may result in loss of or reduced clinical response of tofacitinib(1)

DISCUSSION: A study of 12 subjects received tofacitinib (30 mg) with concurrent rifampin (600 mg daily), a strong inducer of CYP3A4, with a decreased tofacitinib area-under-curve (AUC) by 84% and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 74%.(4) Strong inducers of CYP3A4 include: apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, enzalutamide, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, rifapentine, and St. John's wort.(1-3)

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)

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/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)

Tofacitinib (<20 Mg Daily)/Estrogens

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Estrogens increase the risk of thrombosis, and combining estrogens with a higher dose of tofacitinib (greater than or equal to 10 mg twice daily, or 20 mg/day) may place patients at high risk of thromboembolism.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of estrogens with a higher dose of tofacitinib (greater than or equal to 10 mg twice daily, or 20 mg/day) may increase the incidence of pulmonary embolism and death.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Additional risk factors include advanced age, obesity (BMI greater than 30), smoking, prolonged immobilization, heart failure, hypercoagulable states, history of venous thromboembolism, malignancy, and major surgery.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The European manufacturer states that the 10 mg twice daily dose of tofacitinib is not recommended in patients who are on combined hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, or who are otherwise at high risk of pulmonary embolism.(4) Patients at high risk of pulmonary embolism should be switched to alternative therapies. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, the dose of tofacitinib should be limited to 5 mg twice daily or tofacitinib XR 11 mg daily.(1-4) The US FDA and Health Canada have not placed use restrictions specifically on concurrent use of tofacitinib with hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Both agencies advise avoiding tofacitinib in patients at increased risk of thrombosis. The US and Canadian manufacturers recommend against a dosage of tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily or weight-based equivalent twice daily or tofacitinib XR 22 mg once daily for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis. For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible is recommended. Counsel patients on the risk of thrombosis and its signs and symptoms. Instruct patients to promptly report any symptoms of thrombosis and discontinue tofacitinib in patients with symptoms of thrombosis.(5-7) There is currently no use restriction on the combination of estrogens with lower doses of tofacitinib (less than 20 mg daily).

DISCUSSION: In an ongoing open-label study comparing the safety of tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis patients 50 years old and older, the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) was 6-fold higher in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily arm and 3-fold higher in the tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily arm compared to the TNF inhibitor arm (17 cases/3,123 patient-years, 9 cases/3,317 patient-years, and 3 cases/3,319 patient-years, respectively). All-cause mortality was also higher in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily and 5 mg twice daily arms compared to the TNF inhibitor arm (28 deaths/3,140 patient-years, 19 deaths/3,324 patient-years, and 9 deaths/3,323 patient-years, respectively).(3)

Tofacitinib/Moderate Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents that inhibit the CYP3A4 isoenzyme may inhibit the metabolism of tofacitinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase levels of and effects from tofacitinib, including serious infections, thrombosis, gastrointestinal perforation, neutropenia, anemia, elevated liver enzymes, or lipid elevations.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients who are also on a drug that is a strong inhibitor of CYP2C19 are at higher risk of increased tofacitinib levels and effects.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In patients taking a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor but not also a strong CYP2C19 inhibitor, no dosage modification of tofacitinib is recommended. Concurrent therapy with tofacitinib should be approached with caution as an interaction is likely.(1) In patients taking a strong CYP2C19 inhibitor in addition to a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, the dose of tofacitinib should be reduced as follows: - Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: reduce to 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz XR for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: switch to Xeljanz 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 5 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: 5 mg once daily. May consider 5 mg twice daily if loss of response. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest possible duration needed to maintain response. - Xeljanz XR for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 11 mg once daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: Not recommended. Switch to Xeljanz and follow recommendations with Xeljanz. - Xeljanz oral solution for polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) or psoriatic arthritis (patients 2 years or older): - >= 10 kg to <20 kg: 3.2 mg once daily - >= 20 kg to <40 kg: 4 mg once daily - >= 40 kg: 5 mg once daily.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study, administration of ketoconazole (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor), increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of tofacitinib by more than 2-fold. Fluconazole (a moderate CYP3A4 and strong CYP2C19 inhibitor) increased tofacitinib AUC by about 1.75-fold.(1) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, darunavir, diltiazem, dronedarone, erythromycin, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, isavuconazonium, oral lefamulin, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nirogacestat, schisandra, stiripentol, tofisopam, verapamil, and voxelotor.(3-4)

Tofacitinib/Selected Inhibitors Of Both Cyp3a4 And Cyp2c19

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents that are both strong inhibitors of CYP2C19 and moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of tofacitinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of agents that are both strong inhibitors of CYP2C19 and moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from tofacitinib.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In patients taking agents that are both strong CYP2C19 inhibitors and moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as fluconazole, the starting dose of tofacitinib should be reduced as follows: - Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: reduce to 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz XR for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: switch to Xeljanz 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 5 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: 5 mg once daily. May consider 5 mg twice daily if loss of response. - Xeljanz XR for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 11 mg once daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: Not recommended. Switch to Xeljanz and follow strong CYP3A4 inhibitor recommendation. - Xeljanz oral solution for polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) or psoriatic arthritis (patients 2 years or older): - >= 10 kg to <20 kg: 3.2 mg once daily - >= 20 kg to <40 kg: 4 mg once daily - >= 40 kg: 5 mg once daily (1)

DISCUSSION: In a study, administration of fluconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP2C19 and a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of tofacitinib by more than 1.75-fold.(1)

Tofacitinib/Strong Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

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

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents that inhibit the CYP3A4 isoenzyme may inhibit the metabolism of tofacitinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase levels of and effects from tofacitinib, including serious infections, thrombosis, gastrointestinal perforation, neutropenia, anemia, elevated liver enzymes, or lipid elevations.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In patients taking a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, the starting dose of tofacitinib should be reduced as follows: - Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: reduce to 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz XR for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: switch to Xeljanz 5 mg once daily. - Xeljanz for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 5 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: 5 mg once daily. May consider 5 mg twice daily if loss of response. - Xeljanz XR for ulcerative colitis: - Induction: 11 mg once daily for 8 weeks. If needed continue for maximum of 16 weeks. - Maintenance: Not recommended. Switch to Xeljanz and follow strong CYP3A4 inhibitor recommendation. - Xeljanz oral solution for polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) or psoriatic arthritis (patients 2 years or older): - >= 10 kg to <20 kg: 3.2 mg once daily - >= 20 kg to <40 kg: 4 mg once daily - >= 40 kg: 5 mg once daily (1)(1) For concurrent treatment with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, dose adjustments should be considered throughout the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment and for 3 days following the last dose of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a study, administration of ketoconazole, increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of tofacitinib by more than 2-fold.(1) Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: adagrasib, boceprevir, ceritinib, clarithromycin, cobicistat, ensitrelvir, grapefruit, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, lopinavir, mibefradil, mifepristone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, paritaprevir, posaconazole, relacorilant, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, tipranavir, troleandomycin, tucatinib, or voriconazole.(3,4)

*None.

• Lactation
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

• Active tuberculosis
• Anemia
• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
• Child-pugh class B hepatic impairment
• Chronic kidney disease stage 3A (moderate) GFR 45-59 ml/min
• Chronic kidney disease stage 3B (moderate) GFR 30-44 ml/min
• Chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe) GFR 15-29 ml/min
• Chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure) GFr<15 ml/min
• Disease of liver
• Herpes zoster
• Inactive tuberculosis
• Infection
• Interstitial lung disease
• Lymphopenia
• Malignancy
• Malignant lymphoma
• Neutropenic disorder
• Opportunistic fungal infection
• Opportunistic viral infection
• Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease
• Thromboembolic disorder
• Thrombotic disorder
• Tobacco smoker
• Viral hepatitis B

• Bradycardia
• Chronic heart failure
• Diabetes mellitus
• Diverticulitis of gastrointestinal tract
• Heart block
• Hyperlipidemia
• Kidney disease with likely reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
• Myocardial ischemia

Adverse effects occurring in 2% or more of adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving tofacitinib as monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs include diarrhea, headache, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. Adverse effects in patients with psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are similar to those observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Adverse effects occurring in 5% or more of patients with ulcerative colitis receiving tofacitinib, and more commonly than in patients receiving placebo, include nasopharyngitis, elevated cholesterol concentrations, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, increased blood creatine kinase (CK, creatine phosphokinase, CPK) concentrations, rash, diarrhea, and herpes zoster.

Adverse effects reported in pediatric patients with polyarticular-course JIA receiving tofacitinib are consistent with those reported in adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

More Frequent

• Bacterial infection
• Cellulitis
• Herpes zoster
• Infection
• Pneumonia

Less Frequent

• Abnormal hepatic function tests
• Anemia
• Gastroenteritis
• Hypertension
• Opportunistic fungal infection
• Viral infection

Rare or Very Rare

• Active tuberculosis
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Angioedema
• Arterial thrombosis
• Atypical mycobacterial infection
• BK polyomavirus reactivation nephropathy
• Chronic heart failure
• Coccidioidomycosis
• Cryptococcosis
• Cytomegalovirus disease
• Deep venous thrombosis
• Diverticulitis of gastrointestinal tract
• DRESS syndrome
• Esophageal candidiasis
• Gastrointestinal perforation
• Histoplasmosis
• Hypoglycemic disorder
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Listeriosis
• Lymphocytosis
• Lymphopenia
• Malignancy
• Malignant lymphoma
• Malignant neoplasm of lung
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Neutropenic disorder
• Opportunistic viral infection
• Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
• Prolonged PR interval
• Pulmonary thromboembolism
• Reactivation of hepatitis B
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Steatosis of liver
• Thromboembolic disorder
• Thrombosis of retinal vein
• Thrombotic disorder

More Frequent

• Diarrhea
• Headache disorder
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hyperlipidemia
• Pharyngitis
• Upper respiratory infection
• Urinary tract infection

Less Frequent

• Skin rash
• Vomiting

Rare or Very Rare

• Acne vulgaris
• Acute abdominal pain
• Arthralgia
• Arthritis
• Basal cell carcinoma of skin
• Cough
• Dehydration
• Dyspepsia
• Dyspnea
• Erythema
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Gastritis
• Increased creatine kinase level
• Insomnia
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Nausea
• Paresthesia
• Peripheral edema
• Pruritus of skin
• Sinusitis
• Tendonitis
• Urticaria
• Weight gain

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Safety and efficacy of tofacitinib as conventional tablets and oral solution for the management of active polyarticular-course JIA and psoriatic arthritis have been established in pediatric patients 2-17 years of age. For active polyarticular-course JIA, use is based on evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of tofacitinib (as conventional tablets) in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, pharmacokinetic data from adults with rheumatoid arthritis, and additional data from a clinical trial of tofacitinib (as conventional tablets or oral solution) in pediatric patients with active polyarthritis. Adverse reactions observed in pediatric patients receiving tofacitinib were consistent with those reported in adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

For psoriatic arthritis, use is based on evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of tofacitinib (as conventional tablets) in adults with psoriatic arthritis, pharmacokinetic data from adults with psoriatic arthritis, and additional pharmacokinetic and safety data from pediatric patients with active polyarticular-course JIA. Adverse reactions observed in pediatric patients receiving tofacitinib were consistent with those reported in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Tofacitinib plasma exposures are predicted to be comparable to those seen in adults with psoriatic arthritis based on population pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation.

Safety and efficacy of tofacitinib as extended-release tablets have not been established in pediatric patients.

Data are insufficient regarding use of tofacitinib in pregnant women to draw conclusions regarding a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes with therapy. Fetocidal and teratogenic effects have been observed in rats and rabbits. In addition, reductions in live litter size, postnatal survival, and pup body weights have been observed in rats. Because the applicability of these findings to women receiving recommended dosages of tofacitinib is uncertain, pregnancy planning and prevention should be considered in females with reproductive potential.

Data suggest that increased disease activity in women with rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g., preterm delivery, low birthweight, small for gestational age at birth).

Tofacitinib is distributed into milk in rats and is present in human milk; limited data exist regarding the effects of tofacitinib on breastfed infants and there are no data on the effects on milk production. Because of the serious adverse effects (e.g., serious infections) observed in tofacitinib-treated adults, breast-feeding is not recommended during tofacitinib therapy and for at least 18 hours after the last dose of the drug administered as conventional tablets/oral solution or 36 hours after the last dose administered as extended-release tablets.

The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for geriatric patients.

In controlled trials of tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 15% of patients were 65 years of age or older, while 2% were 75 years of age and older. In these studies, a higher incidence of serious infections was reported in patients 65 years of age or older compared with younger patients. Clinical studies of tofacitinib in patients with ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age or older to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger adults. Tofacitinib should be used with caution in geriatric patients, taking into consideration the higher incidence of infections generally observed in geriatric patients. Age does not substantially alter pharmacokinetics of the drug.