Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Dengue vaccine
Severity: Major
Azathioprine and Dengue vaccine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Dengue vaccine is live attenuated, and azathioprine-induced immunosuppression may reduce the immune response and increase the risk of vaccine-related infection. Immunosuppression is generally a contraindication to live vaccines.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Dengue vaccine 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
Impaired immune control of replicating attenuated virus, with reduced vaccine response.
What to do
Avoid giving the live dengue vaccine to patients on azathioprine. Consider vaccinating before immunosuppression starts or after an adequate washout, per specialist advice.
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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References
Other interactions of Azathioprine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Azathioprine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Bcg vaccine live Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Febuxostat Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azathioprine with Dengue vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azathioprine and Dengue vaccine 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. Dengue vaccine is live attenuated, and azathioprine-induced immunosuppression may reduce the immune response and increase the risk of vaccine-related infection. Immunosuppression is generally a contraindication to live vaccines.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Dengue vaccine?
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 giving the live dengue vaccine to patients on azathioprine. Consider vaccinating before immunosuppression starts or after an adequate washout, per specialist advice.
What other medicines interact with Azathioprine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Azathioprine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Febuxostat. The full list is on the Azathioprine page.
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