Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Hepatitis b vaccine
Severity: Moderate
Azathioprine and Hepatitis b 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 reduces the likelihood and magnitude of antibody response to hepatitis B vaccine. Patients may stay susceptible to infection despite vaccination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Hepatitis b 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 impairs lymphocyte proliferation and humoral responses to vaccination.
What to do
Vaccinate and check anti-HBs one to two months after the series. Revaccinate, or use a higher-dose or adjuvanted schedule, if the titre is inadequate.
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 Hepatitis b vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azathioprine and Hepatitis b 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 reduces the likelihood and magnitude of antibody response to hepatitis B vaccine. Patients may stay susceptible to infection despite vaccination.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Hepatitis b 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: Vaccinate and check anti-HBs one to two months after the series. Revaccinate, or use a higher-dose or adjuvanted schedule, if the titre is inadequate.
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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