Drug interactions
Bcg vaccine live + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Minor
Bcg vaccine live and Hydroxychloroquine: minor 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 is a live attenuated vaccine, but hydroxychloroquine is only weakly immunosuppressive and is not generally regarded as a barrier to live vaccines. The theoretical concern is reduced vaccine response or rarely prolonged vaccine-strain infection. Antimalarial effects on BCG response are not well characterised.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bcg vaccine live and Hydroxychloroquine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Mild immunomodulation by hydroxychloroquine may theoretically alter the response to live vaccine, but the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Hydroxychloroquine monotherapy does not usually preclude BCG vaccination; review for other immunosuppressants and any significant immune deficiency before vaccinating.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Hydroxychloroquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bcg vaccine live with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Bcg vaccine live and Hydroxychloroquine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. BCG is a live attenuated vaccine, but hydroxychloroquine is only weakly immunosuppressive and is not generally regarded as a barrier to live vaccines. The theoretical concern is reduced vaccine response or rarely prolonged vaccine-strain infection. Antimalarial effects on BCG response are not well characterised.
How serious is the interaction between Bcg vaccine live and Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Hydroxychloroquine monotherapy does not usually preclude BCG vaccination; review for other immunosuppressants and any significant immune deficiency before vaccinating.
What other medicines interact with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydroxychloroquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Cisapride, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Hydroxychloroquine page.
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