Drug interactions
Anakinra + Bcg vaccine live
Severity: Contraindicated
Anakinra and Bcg vaccine live: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
BCG contains live attenuated mycobacteria that may cause disseminated BCG infection in patients receiving immunosuppressive biologics such as anakinra. Vaccine effectiveness may also be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Anakinra and Bcg vaccine live are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Immunosuppression impairs control of replicating attenuated mycobacteria.
What to do
Avoid live BCG during anakinra treatment; vaccinate before starting therapy, allowing an adequate interval, if it is required.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Anakinra
- Anakinra + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Anakinra + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Anakinra + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Anakinra + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Anakinra Major
- Adalimumab + Anakinra Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Anakinra with Bcg vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Anakinra and Bcg vaccine live are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. BCG contains live attenuated mycobacteria that may cause disseminated BCG infection in patients receiving immunosuppressive biologics such as anakinra. Vaccine effectiveness may also be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Anakinra and Bcg vaccine live?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid live BCG during anakinra treatment; vaccinate before starting therapy, allowing an adequate interval, if it is required.
What other medicines interact with Anakinra?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Anakinra with, for example, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Anakinra page.
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