Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids
Severity: Moderate
Azathioprine and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids: 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 suppresses lymphocyte function and can blunt the antibody response to inactivated toxoid vaccines. Protection may be lower or shorter-lived than expected. The vaccine is not unsafe, as it contains no live organisms.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids 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
Vaccination is still recommended; ideally give it before starting azathioprine or accept a possibly reduced response. Consider checking antibody titres where protection is critical and give booster doses as needed.
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?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azathioprine and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids 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 suppresses lymphocyte function and can blunt the antibody response to inactivated toxoid vaccines. Protection may be lower or shorter-lived than expected. The vaccine is not unsafe, as it contains no live organisms.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Vaccination is still recommended; ideally give it before starting azathioprine or accept a possibly reduced response. Consider checking antibody titres where protection is critical and give booster doses as needed.
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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