Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Pneumococcal vaccine heptavalent
Severity: Moderate
Azathioprine and Pneumococcal vaccine heptavalent: 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 can diminish the antibody response to pneumococcal vaccine, reducing protection in patients who are already at higher risk of pneumococcal infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Pneumococcal vaccine heptavalent 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 according to immunocompromised-patient schedules, ideally before starting azathioprine. Do not delay vaccination because of the drug.
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 Pneumococcal vaccine heptavalent?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azathioprine and Pneumococcal vaccine heptavalent 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 can diminish the antibody response to pneumococcal vaccine, reducing protection in patients who are already at higher risk of pneumococcal infection.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Pneumococcal vaccine heptavalent?
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 according to immunocompromised-patient schedules, ideally before starting azathioprine. Do not delay vaccination because of the drug.
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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