Drug interactions
Bcg vaccine live + Budesonide
Severity: Major
Bcg vaccine live and Budesonide: major 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
Live BCG given during corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may cause disseminated BCG infection and be less effective. Risk is greatest with systemic budesonide or high-dose therapy; low-dose inhaled or topical-acting use is less of a concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bcg vaccine live and Budesonide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Corticosteroid suppression of cell-mediated immunity impairs control of live attenuated mycobacteria.
What to do
Avoid live BCG in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of budesonide; defer vaccination until steroids are stopped for the labeled interval.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Budesonide
- Aldesleukin + Budesonide Major
- Atazanavir + Budesonide Major
- Budesonide + Ceritinib Major
- Budesonide + Clarithromycin Major
- Budesonide + Cobicistat Major
- Budesonide + Darunavir Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bcg vaccine live with Budesonide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bcg vaccine live and Budesonide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Live BCG given during corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may cause disseminated BCG infection and be less effective. Risk is greatest with systemic budesonide or high-dose therapy; low-dose inhaled or topical-acting use is less of a concern.
How serious is the interaction between Bcg vaccine live and Budesonide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid live BCG in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of budesonide; defer vaccination until steroids are stopped for the labeled interval.
What other medicines interact with Budesonide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Budesonide with, for example, Aldesleukin, Atazanavir, Ceritinib. The full list is on the Budesonide page.
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