Epkinly (epcoritamab-bysp) is a brand-name subcutaneous injection. It’s prescribed for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in certain situations. Epkinly isn’t known to interact with alcohol, other drugs, or supplements. However, the drug has certain health-related interactions.

An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.

To learn more about Epkinly’s interactions, keep reading. For additional information about Epkinly, including details about its uses, see this article.

Epkinly and other medications

It isn’t known for certain whether Epkinly interacts with other medications.

Epkinly causes the release of cytokines, which are small proteins that help your immune cells communicate. These cytokines can slow the activity of certain proteins that break down other medications in your body. This may increase the levels of other drugs in your system, potentially resulting in an increased risk of side effects from those drugs.

However, Epkinly’s manufacturer didn’t specifically look at interactions in clinical trials of the drug.

Keep in mind that interactions with other drugs could be recognized in the future. For example, people who’ve received Epkinly since it became available may report new interactions.

Before you start treatment with Epkinly, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Epkinly interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Epkinly and other interactions” section below.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

* Epkinly has a boxed warning about this risk. For details, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the top of this article.

Epkinly and alcohol

There aren’t any known interactions between Epkinly and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol during treatment with the drug may worsen some of Epkinly’s side effects. For example, you may have worsened nausea, diarrhea, or fatigue.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol during Epkinly treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Epkinly and other interactions

Epkinly may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Epkinly.

Epkinly and supplements

It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Epkinly and herbs

Epkinly hasn’t been reported to interact with any herb. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Epkinly treatment.

Epkinly and vitamins 

Epkinly hasn’t been reported to interact with any vitamins. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product during treatment with Epkinly.

Epkinly and food

Epkinly hasn’t been reported to interact with any foods. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods during treatment with Epkinly, talk with your doctor.

Epkinly and vaccines

Epkinly isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Epkinly and lab tests

Epkinly isn’t known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

EPKINLY AND CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Epkinly. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Epkinly. The effects of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Epkinly treatment plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Epkinly and health-related interactions

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Epkinly. Before you start this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Epkinly may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Epkinly include:

  • Current infection: Before receiving Epkinly injections, tell your doctor if you have an infection. The drug may worsen an existing infection or increase the risk of a new infection. Your doctor may treat the infection before you receive Epkinly.
  • Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Epkinly or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Epkinly. Receiving the drug can cause another allergic reaction. You can talk with your doctor about other treatments that may be better options for you.
  • Breastfeeding: It’s not safe to receive Epkinly while breastfeeding. The drug may pass into breast milk and lead to side effects in a child who is breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before starting Epkinly. They can talk with you about treatment options and ways to feed your child.
  • Pregnancy: Epkinly is not safe to receive while pregnant. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Epkinly. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.

Preventing interactions

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Epkinly. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

  • Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
  • Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
  • Create a medication list, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Epkinly label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Epkinly doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Other resources

Besides learning about interactions, you may want to find out more about Epkinly. These resources might help:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.