Drug interactions
Bcg vaccine live + Certolizumab pegol
Severity: Contraindicated
Bcg vaccine live and Certolizumab pegol: 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
BCG vaccine contains live attenuated mycobacteria. TNF blockade may permit disseminated BCG infection and also weaken the vaccine response.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bcg vaccine live and Certolizumab pegol 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
TNF inhibition impairs granuloma formation and mycobacterial containment.
What to do
Do not give BCG vaccine during certolizumab therapy. Vaccinate at least 4 weeks beforehand if needed.
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 Certolizumab pegol
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Certolizumab pegol Contraindicated
- Bcg intravesical live + Certolizumab pegol Contraindicated
- Certolizumab pegol + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Certolizumab pegol + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Certolizumab pegol + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Certolizumab pegol + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bcg vaccine live with Certolizumab pegol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Bcg vaccine live and Certolizumab pegol 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. BCG vaccine contains live attenuated mycobacteria. TNF blockade may permit disseminated BCG infection and also weaken the vaccine response.
How serious is the interaction between Bcg vaccine live and Certolizumab pegol?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not give BCG vaccine during certolizumab therapy. Vaccinate at least 4 weeks beforehand if needed.
What other medicines interact with Certolizumab pegol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Certolizumab pegol with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg intravesical live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal. The full list is on the Certolizumab pegol page.
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