Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine
Severity: Moderate
Azathioprine and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine: moderate 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
Azathioprine can reduce the immune response to this inactivated combination vaccine. Patients may have weaker or shorter-lived protection against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The vaccine remains safe to give.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Azathioprine inhibits purine synthesis and lymphocyte proliferation, reducing vaccine-induced immune responses.
What to do
Give recommended vaccination, preferably before starting immunosuppression. Review serology or booster needs if the patient is at high risk.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azathioprine and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Azathioprine can reduce the immune response to this inactivated combination vaccine. Patients may have weaker or shorter-lived protection against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The vaccine remains safe to give.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give recommended vaccination, preferably before starting immunosuppression. Review serology or booster needs if the patient is at high risk.
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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