MajorAntimetabolites, folic acid analogues×Calcineurin inhibitor (immunosuppressant)
Updated · Methodology
Mechanism
Dual immunosuppression plus additive nephrotoxicity. The combination is used in rheumatoid arthritis patients on methotrexate when tacrolimus is added (e.g., in ANCA vasculitis), requiring careful monitoring.
Symptoms
Stomatitis, diarrhoea, falling leukocyte, platelet, and erythrocyte counts. Severe cases: fatal pancytopenia, nephrotoxicity.
Management
The combination is possible in rheumatic disease with careful monitoring. Check full blood count, creatinine, and liver enzymes every 2 weeks for the first 3 months, then monthly. Keep tacrolimus trough (C0) at the lower end of target range.
Check the full regimen, not just this pair
Opens the checker with these two drugs prefilled. Add the rest of the regimen and recompute additive risks.
Summary of a multi-drug list →
Medicine list: everything you take in one place →
Sources
- FDA: Methotrexate Sodium Tablets prescribing information (2016)– ; DailyMed setid 8f1260de-b60c-4f0e-8af6-0e957b0a281b