Bendamustine Hcl

Drug overview for BENDAMUSTINE HCL (bendamustine hcl):

Generic name: bendamustine HCl (BEN-da-MUS-teen)
Drug class: Alkylating Agents
Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics

Bendamustine, a bifunctional nitrogen mustard-derivative alkylating agent and purine analog, is an antineoplastic agent.

No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.

DRUG IMAGES

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The following indications for BENDAMUSTINE HCL (bendamustine hcl) have been approved by the FDA:

Indications:
Chronic lymphoid leukemia
Follicular lymphoma
Indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Small lymphocytic lymphoma

Professional Synonyms:
Follicular B-cell lymphoma
Follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Indolent B-cell NHL

The following dosing information is available for BENDAMUSTINE HCL (bendamustine hcl):

Dosing
Administration
Dosing Information
Generic

Appropriate measures (e.g., adequate hydration) should be taken during therapy to prevent hyperuricemia. (See Tumor Lysis Syndrome under Cautions.)

Although measures to prevent infusion reactions are not routinely recommended by the manufacturer prior to the initial dose of bendamustine, a premedication regimen (e.g., antihistamine, antipyretic, and corticosteroid) should be considered during subsequent treatment cycles in patients who have experienced grade 1 or 2 infusion reactions to the drug. Bendamustine should be discontinued in patients who experience grade 4 infusion reactions. Discontinuance of bendamustine therapy should be considered in patients who experience grade 3 infusion reactions. (See Infusion Reactions under Cautions.)

Bendamustine hydrochloride is commercially available as an injection concentrate (Bendeka(R), Belrapzo(R)) and as a lyophilized powder (Treanda(R)). The injection concentrate formulation of Treanda(R) has been discontinued by the manufacturer because of incompatibility with devices, adapters, and syringes containing polycarbonate or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). Treanda(R) and Belrapzo(R) are administered by IV infusion over 30 minutes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or over 60 minutes in patients with rituximab-refractory, indolent, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

Bendeka(R) is administered by IV infusion over 10 minutes in patients with either CLL or rituximab-refractory, indolent, B-cell NHL. Care should be taken to avoid extravasation of the drug. (See Local Effects under Cautions.) Appropriate measures (e.g., adequate hydration) should be taken during therapy to prevent tumor lysis syndrome.

Although allopurinol has been used during the initiation of bendamustine therapy to prevent hyperuricemia, concomitant use of these drugs may increase the risk of severe skin reactions. (See Dermatologic Reactions under Cautions.) In patients who have experienced grade 1 or 2 infusion reactions to the drug, a premedication regimen (e.g., antihistamine, antipyretic, and corticosteroid) should be considered during subsequent treatment cycles. (See Dosage under Dosage and Administration.)

No dosing information available.

No generic dosing information available.

The following drug interaction information is available for BENDAMUSTINE HCL (bendamustine hcl):

Contraindicated
Severe
Moderate

There are 5 contraindications. These drug combinations generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. A manufacturer label warning that indicates the contraindication warrants inclusion of a drug combination in this category, regardless of clinical evidence or lack of clinical evidence to support the contraindication.

Drug Interaction	Drug Names
Efalizumab; Natalizumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	TYSABRI
Alkylating Agents/Nalidixic Acid 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: The exact mechanism is unknown. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of nalidixic acid in patients undergoing therapy with an alkylating agent may result in serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as hemorrhagic ulcerative colitis or intestinal necrosis.(1-2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of nalidixic acid states that the concurrent use of nalidixic acid with an alkylating agent is contraindicated.(1) The manufacturer of intravenous melphalan states that when given simultaneously with nalidixic acid, the incidence of severe hemorrhagic necrotic enterocolitis has been reported to increase in pediatric patients.(2) DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of nalidixic acid in patients undergoing therapy with may result in serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as hemorrhagic ulcerative colitis or intestinal necrosis.(1,2) Therefore, the manufacturer of nalidixic acid states that the concurrent use of nalidixic acid with an alkylating agent is contraindicated.(1)	NALIDIXIC ACID
Live Vaccines; Live BCG/Selected Immunosuppressive Agents 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) 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)	ACAM2000 (NATIONAL STOCKPILE), ADENOVIRUS TYPE 4, ADENOVIRUS TYPE 4 AND TYPE 7, ADENOVIRUS TYPE 7, BCG (TICE STRAIN), BCG VACCINE (TICE STRAIN), DENGVAXIA, ERVEBO (NATIONAL STOCKPILE), FLUMIST TRIVALENT 2024-2025, IXCHIQ, M-M-R II VACCINE, PRIORIX, PROQUAD, ROTARIX, ROTATEQ, STAMARIL, VARIVAX VACCINE, VAXCHORA ACTIVE COMPONENT, VAXCHORA VACCINE, VIVOTIF, YF-VAX
Talimogene laherparepvec/Selected Immunosuppressants 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)	IMLYGIC
Nadofaragene Firadenovec/Selected Immunosuppressants 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)	ADSTILADRIN

There are 17 severe interactions. These drug interactions can produce serious consequences in most patients. Actions required for severe interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration scheduling, and providing additional patient monitoring. Review the full interaction monograph for more information.

Drug Interaction	Drug Names
Deferiprone/Selected Myelosuppressive Agents 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)	DEFERIPRONE, DEFERIPRONE (3 TIMES A DAY), FERRIPROX, FERRIPROX (2 TIMES A DAY), FERRIPROX (3 TIMES A DAY)
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)	TOFACITINIB CITRATE, XELJANZ, XELJANZ XR
Clozapine/Selected Myelosuppressive Agents 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 ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing.(1-2) 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: Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1) Agents linked to this interaction generally have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(3-26)	CLOZAPINE, CLOZAPINE ODT, CLOZARIL, VERSACLOZ
Selected Multiple Sclerosis Agents/Immunosuppressants; Immunomodulators 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)	KESIMPTA PEN, OCREVUS, OCREVUS ZUNOVO
Upadacitinib/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	RINVOQ, RINVOQ LQ
Inebilizumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	UPLIZNA
Baricitinib/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	OLUMIANT
Leflunomide; Teriflunomide/Selected Immunosuppressants 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)	ARAVA, AUBAGIO, LEFLUNICLO, LEFLUNOMIDE, TERIFLUNOMIDE
Ponesimod/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	PONVORY
Sodium Iodide I 131/Myelosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	HICON, SODIUM IODIDE I-131
Fingolimod/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	FINGOLIMOD, GILENYA, TASCENSO ODT
Ozanimod/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	ZEPOSIA
Siponimod/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	MAYZENT
Cladribine/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	CLADRIBINE, MAVENCLAD
Ritlecitinib/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	LITFULO
Etrasimod/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	VELSIPITY
Ropeginterferon alfa-2b/Slt Immunosuppress; Immunomodulator 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)	BESREMI

There are 6 moderate interactions. The clinician should assess the patient’s characteristics and take action as needed. Actions required for moderate interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration.

Drug Interaction	Drug Names
Ustekinumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	OTULFI, PYZCHIVA, SELARSDI, STELARA, STEQEYMA, USTEKINUMAB, USTEKINUMAB-AEKN, USTEKINUMAB-TTWE, WEZLANA, YESINTEK
COVID-19 Vaccines/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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.(1,2) 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.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In an effort to optimize COVID-19 vaccine response, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) published conditional recommendations for administration of COVID-19 vaccines with immunosuppressants and immunomodulators.(1) The CDC also provides clinical considerations for COVID-19 vaccination in patients on immunosuppressants.(2) 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.(2) The ACR states that in general, immunosuppressants and immunomodulators should be held for 1-2 weeks after each vaccine dose. See below for specific recommendations for certain agents.(1) The CDC advises planning for vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting or resuming immunosuppressive therapy.(2) Patients should be offered and given a COVID-19 vaccine even if the use and timing of immunosuppressive agents cannot be adjusted.(1,2) B-cell depleting agents, including rituximab: 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.(1) 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 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. The suggested interval to start revaccination is about 6 months after completion of the B-cell-depleting therapy.(2) 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.(1) Cyclophosphamide: When feasible, administer cyclophosphamide one week after each COVID-19 vaccine dose.(1) 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.(2) 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.(1) The CDC includes these agents in their general recommendation to hold therapy for at least 2 weeks following vaccination.(2) DISCUSSION: 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.(1) 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.(1) 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.(1) The ACR recommendation for methotrexate is based on data from influenza vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines with methotrexate.(1) 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.(1) 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.(1)	COMIRNATY 2024-2025, MODERNA COVID 24-25(6M-11Y)EUA, NOVAVAX COVID 2024-2025 (EUA), PFIZER COVID 2024-25(5-11Y)EUA, PFIZER COVID 2024-25(6M-4Y)EUA, SPIKEVAX 2024-2025
Sarilumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	KEVZARA
Ublituximab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	BRIUMVI
Allopurinol/Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Bendamustine SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown. Allopurinol, amoxicillin, ampicillin, and bendamustine have been documented to cause cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of allopurinol with amoxicillin, ampicillin or bendamustine may result in an increased incidence of rash which may be severe. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients who are HLA-B*58:01 positive may be at increased risk. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Consider an alternative to amoxicillin, ampicillin, or bendamustine in patients with a history of serious skin rashes, such as SJS, TEN, or DRESS. Discontinue allopurinol at the first appearance of skin rash or other signs which may indicate a hypersensitivity reaction when used with amoxicillin or ampicillin or bendamustine. Instruct patients to seek medical attention for any peeling skin rash or blisters.(1) DISCUSSION: In the Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program, drug rash was seen in 22.4% of 67 hospitalized patients (relative risk 3.0) receiving concurrent allopurinol and ampicillin compared to 7.5% of 1257 patients receiving only ampicillin and 2.1% of 283 patients rceiving only allopurinol.(4) A hospital drug monitoring program found the observed risk of developing an exanthema with concurrent use is as follows: aminopenicillin without allopurinol 10.1%, aminopenicillin combined with allopurinol 7.2%, allopurinol without aminopenicillin 3.0%, or neither of the two drugs 1.5%.(6) A case-control study did not find a statistically significant increased risk of SJS with concurrent use of allopurinol and amoxicillin or ampicillin (allopurinol alone 4.4% vs. with amoxicillin 6.8%; allopurinol alone 0.1% vs. with ampicillin 2.7% at 1 month)(allopurinol alone 4.4% vs. with amoxicillin 5.7% or allopurinol alone 0.2% vs. with ampicillin 2.9% at 3 months).(8) In a retrospective study looking at mortality data, records were screened for administration of high risk drugs associated with SJS. Allopurinol and ampicillin was one of the drug combinations listed as contributing to mortality in patients (p = 0.049).(9)	ALLOPURINOL, ALLOPURINOL SODIUM, ALOPRIM, DUZALLO, ZYLOPRIM
Tocilizumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators 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)	ACTEMRA, ACTEMRA ACTPEN, TOFIDENCE, TYENNE, TYENNE AUTOINJECTOR

The following contraindication information is available for BENDAMUSTINE HCL (bendamustine hcl):

Overview
Contraindicated
Severe
Moderate

Drug contraindication overview.

Known history of hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reaction) to bendamustine or any ingredient in the formulation.

There are 1 contraindications. Absolute contraindication.

Contraindication List
Lactation

There are 7 severe contraindications. Adequate patient monitoring is recommended for safer drug use.

Severe List
Dehydration
Hyperkalemia
Neutropenic disorder
Pregnancy
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Severe infection
Thrombocytopenic disorder

There are 3 moderate contraindications. Clinically significant contraindication, where the condition can be managed or treated before the drug may be given safely.

Moderate List
Anemia
Malignant melanoma
Malignant neoplasm of skin

The following adverse reaction information is available for BENDAMUSTINE HCL (bendamustine hcl):

Overview
Severe
Less Severe

Adverse reaction overview.

Adverse effects reported in 15% or more of patients with rituximab-refractory, indolent, B-cell NHL or with CLL receiving bendamustine therapy include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, pyrexia, nausea, vomiting, hyperbilirubinemia, and lymphopenia. Elevated bilirubin concentrations also have been reported in more than 15% of patients with CLL receiving the drug, and fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, decreased weight, anorexia, dyspnea, cough, headache, rash, and stomatitis also have been reported in 15% or more of patients with rituximab-refractory, indolent, B-cell NHL receiving the drug. Adverse effects reported in more than 5% of patients during or within 24 hours post-infusion include nausea and fatigue. Adverse effects are similar following administration of bendamustine as a 10-minute IV infusion (Bendeka(R)) or following IV infusion over 30-60 minutes (Treanda(R)).

There are 43 severe adverse reactions.

More Frequent	Less Frequent
Anemia Hypokalemia Leukopenia Lymphopenia Neutropenic disorder Thrombocytopenic disorder	Herpes simplex infection Hypersensitivity drug reaction Infection Pneumonia Tumor lysis syndrome

Rare/Very Rare
Abnormal hepatic function tests Acute eruptions of skin Acute myeloid leukemia Acute myocardial infarction Anaphylaxis Atrial fibrillation Bacterial sepsis Basal cell carcinoma of skin Bronchogenic carcinoma Bullous dermatitis Chronic heart failure Cytomegalovirus disease Dermal necrosis DRESS syndrome Eosinophilia Extravasation injury Hepatitis Herpes zoster Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Hypertension Interstitial pneumonitis Myelodysplastic syndrome Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus Pancytopenia Phlebitis after infusion Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy Reactivated tuberculosis Reactivation of hepatitis B Squamous cell carcinoma of skin Stevens-johnson syndrome Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Rare/Very Rare

Abnormal hepatic function tests
Acute eruptions of skin
Acute myeloid leukemia
Acute myocardial infarction
Anaphylaxis
Atrial fibrillation
Bacterial sepsis
Basal cell carcinoma of skin
Bronchogenic carcinoma
Bullous dermatitis
Chronic heart failure
Cytomegalovirus disease
Dermal necrosis
DRESS syndrome
Eosinophilia
Extravasation injury
Hepatitis
Herpes zoster
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Hypertension
Interstitial pneumonitis
Myelodysplastic syndrome
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Pancytopenia
Phlebitis after infusion
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Reactivated tuberculosis
Reactivation of hepatitis B
Squamous cell carcinoma of skin
Stevens-johnson syndrome
Toxic epidermal necrolysis

There are 47 less severe adverse reactions.

More Frequent	Less Frequent
Anorexia Constipation Cough Diarrhea Dyspepsia Dyspnea Fatigue Fever Gastroesophageal reflux disease Headache disorder Nausea Peripheral edema Pruritus of skin Skin rash Stomatitis Vomiting Weight loss	Abdominal distension Acute abdominal pain Arthralgia Back pain Bone pain Chest pain Chills Dehydration Depression Dizziness Drowsy Dysgeusia General weakness Hyperhidrosis Hypotension Insomnia Malaise Nasal congestion Night sweats Oral candidiasis Pain Pharyngitis Sinusitis Symptoms of anxiety Tachycardia Upper respiratory infection Wheezing Xerostomia

Rare/Very Rare
Injection site sequelae Palpitations

The following precautions are available for BENDAMUSTINE HCL (bendamustine hcl):

Pediatric
Pregnant
Lactation
Geriatric

Pharmacokinetic and adverse effect profiles of bendamustine in pediatric patients (1-19 years of age) with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia are similar to those in adults. Efficacy of bendamustine has not been established in pediatric patients. Bendamustine hydrochloride (90 or 120 mg/m2 IV daily on days 1 and 2 of each 21-day cycle) was evaluated in a phase 1-2 study in pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia. No responses were observed in 32 patients evaluated in the phase 2 portion of the study; however, complete responses were observed in 2 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) receiving bendamustine hydrochloride 90 mg/m2 during the phase 1 portion of the study.

Contraindicated

None

Severe Precaution

None

Management or Monitoring Precaution

None

Based on its mechanism of action and animal studies, bendamustine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant females. (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)

It is not known whether bendamustine is distributed into milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to bendamustine in breast-fed infants, the manufacturers do not recommend breast-feeding during bendamustine therapy and for at least 1 week after the last dose.

Pharmacokinetic and adverse effect profiles are similar to those in younger adults. In the phase 3 study in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), overall response rates for bendamustine and chlorambucil were 47 and 22%, respectively, in patients 65 years of age or older versus 70 and 30%, respectively, in those younger than 65 years of age. Median durations of progression-free survival with bendamustine and chlorambucil were 12 and 8 months, respectively, in patients 65 years of age or older versus 19 and 8 months, respectively, in those younger than 65 years of age. Among patients with rituximab-refractory, indolent, B-cell NHL, overall response rate and duration of response in individuals 65 years of age or older were similar to results in younger adults.

The following icd codes are available for BENDAMUSTINE HCL (bendamustine hcl)'s list of indications:

Chronic lymphoid leukemia
C91.1	Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of b-cell type
C91.10	Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of b-cell type not having achieved remission
C91.12	Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of b-cell type in relapse
Follicular lymphoma
C82	Follicular lymphoma
C82.0	Follicular lymphoma grade I
C82.00	Follicular lymphoma grade i, unspecified site
C82.01	Follicular lymphoma grade i, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.02	Follicular lymphoma grade i, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.03	Follicular lymphoma grade i, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.04	Follicular lymphoma grade i, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.05	Follicular lymphoma grade i, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.06	Follicular lymphoma grade i, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.07	Follicular lymphoma grade i, spleen
C82.08	Follicular lymphoma grade i, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.09	Follicular lymphoma grade i, extranodal and solid organ sites
C82.1	Follicular lymphoma grade II
C82.10	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, unspecified site
C82.11	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.12	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.13	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.14	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.15	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.16	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.17	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, spleen
C82.18	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.19	Follicular lymphoma grade Ii, extranodal and solid organ sites
C82.2	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified
C82.20	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, unspecified site
C82.21	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.22	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.23	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.24	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.25	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.26	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.27	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, spleen
C82.28	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.29	Follicular lymphoma grade IIi, unspecified, extranodal and solid organ sites
C82.3	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia
C82.30	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, unspecified site
C82.31	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.32	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.33	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.34	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.35	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.36	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.37	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, spleen
C82.38	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.39	Follicular lymphoma grade IIia, extranodal and solid organ sites
C82.4	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib
C82.40	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, unspecified site
C82.41	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.42	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.43	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.44	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.45	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.46	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.47	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, spleen
C82.48	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.49	Follicular lymphoma grade IIib, extranodal and solid organ sites
C82.5	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma
C82.50	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, unspecified site
C82.51	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.52	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.53	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.54	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.55	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.56	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.57	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, spleen
C82.58	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.59	Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites
C82.6	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma
C82.60	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, unspecified site
C82.61	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.62	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.63	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.64	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.65	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.66	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.67	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, spleen
C82.68	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.69	Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites
C82.8	Other types of follicular lymphoma
C82.80	Other types of follicular lymphoma, unspecified site
C82.81	Other types of follicular lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.82	Other types of follicular lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.83	Other types of follicular lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.84	Other types of follicular lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.85	Other types of follicular lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.86	Other types of follicular lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.87	Other types of follicular lymphoma, spleen
C82.88	Other types of follicular lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.89	Other types of follicular lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites
C82.9	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified
C82.90	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, unspecified site
C82.91	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.92	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.93	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.94	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.95	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.96	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.97	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, spleen
C82.98	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.99	Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, extranodal and solid organ sites
Indolent b-cell non-hodgkin lymphoma
C85.10	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, unspecified site
C85.11	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C85.12	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C85.13	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C85.14	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C85.15	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C85.16	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C85.17	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, spleen
C85.18	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C85.19	Unspecified b-cell lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites
Small lymphocytic lymphoma
C83.0	Small cell b-cell lymphoma
C83.00	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, unspecified site
C83.01	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C83.02	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C83.03	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C83.04	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C83.05	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C83.06	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C83.07	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, spleen
C83.08	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C83.09	Small cell b-cell lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites