Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live
Severity: Contraindicated
Azathioprine and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live: contraindicated 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
This live attenuated vaccine, including varicella, can cause disseminated vaccine-virus disease in patients on azathioprine. Vaccine efficacy may also be impaired.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Azathioprine impairs cellular immunity, allowing replication of live attenuated viruses.
What to do
Avoid during azathioprine therapy; vaccinate several weeks before starting if feasible. Use separate inactivated or protective strategies for exposures.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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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 Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Azathioprine and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. This live attenuated vaccine, including varicella, can cause disseminated vaccine-virus disease in patients on azathioprine. Vaccine efficacy may also be impaired.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid during azathioprine therapy; vaccinate several weeks before starting if feasible. Use separate inactivated or protective strategies for exposures.
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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