Drug interactions
Anakinra + Varicella virus vaccine live
Severity: Major
Anakinra and Varicella virus vaccine live: major 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
Varicella vaccine is live attenuated and may cause disseminated vaccine-strain infection in patients immunosuppressed by anakinra. Vaccine response may also be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Anakinra and Varicella virus vaccine live can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic: IL-1 blockade impairs immune control of live attenuated virus.
What to do
Avoid during anakinra therapy; immunise susceptible patients before starting treatment where possible. Seek specialist advice on timing.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Anakinra
- Anakinra + Bcg vaccine live Contraindicated
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Anakinra with Varicella virus vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Anakinra and Varicella virus vaccine live can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Varicella vaccine is live attenuated and may cause disseminated vaccine-strain infection in patients immunosuppressed by anakinra. Vaccine response may also be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Anakinra and Varicella virus vaccine live?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid during anakinra therapy; immunise susceptible patients before starting treatment where possible. Seek specialist advice on timing.
What other medicines interact with Anakinra?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Anakinra with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live. The full list is on the Anakinra page.
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