Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine
Severity: Moderate
Azathioprine and Japanese encephalitis virus 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 may lower the response to inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine, which could leave travellers with inadequate protection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Japanese encephalitis virus 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
Complete the series well ahead of travel and consider checking neutralizing antibodies. Stress mosquito-bite avoidance.
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 Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azathioprine and Japanese encephalitis virus 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 may lower the response to inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine, which could leave travellers with inadequate protection.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Japanese encephalitis virus 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: Complete the series well ahead of travel and consider checking neutralizing antibodies. Stress mosquito-bite avoidance.
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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