Drug interactions
Azathioprine + Varicella virus vaccine live
Severity: Contraindicated
Azathioprine and Varicella virus vaccine live: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK 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
Live varicella vaccine given during azathioprine therapy may cause progressive or disseminated vaccine-strain varicella in an immunosuppressed host. The immune response to the vaccine may also be inadequate.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azathioprine and Varicella virus 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 suppresses T- and B-lymphocyte function, permitting uncontrolled replication of the attenuated live virus.
What to do
Avoid live varicella vaccine during azathioprine treatment. Vaccinate non-immune patients at least 4 weeks before starting therapy when possible, and assess varicella immunity before treatment.
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 Varicella virus vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Azathioprine and Varicella virus 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. Live varicella vaccine given during azathioprine therapy may cause progressive or disseminated vaccine-strain varicella in an immunosuppressed host. The immune response to the vaccine may also be inadequate.
How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Varicella virus 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 live varicella vaccine during azathioprine treatment. Vaccinate non-immune patients at least 4 weeks before starting therapy when possible, and assess varicella immunity before treatment.
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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