Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Measles vaccine
Severity: Contraindicated
Azathioprine and Measles vaccine: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: EMA SmPC
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
Measles vaccine is a live attenuated virus, and in patients taking azathioprine it may cause disseminated vaccine-strain infection. The immune response to the vaccine may also be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Measles vaccine 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 virus.
What to do
Avoid live measles vaccine during azathioprine therapy; vaccinate before starting treatment, allowing about four weeks beforehand. Consider immunoglobulin for post-exposure protection.
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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References
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 vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Azathioprine and Measles vaccine 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. Measles vaccine is a live attenuated virus, and in patients taking azathioprine it may cause disseminated vaccine-strain infection. The immune response to the vaccine may also be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Measles vaccine?
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 live measles vaccine during azathioprine therapy; vaccinate before starting treatment, allowing about four weeks beforehand. Consider immunoglobulin for post-exposure protection.
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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