Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Ebola zaire vaccine
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Ebola zaire vaccine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
The Ebola Zaire vaccine (Ervebo) is a live replicating vector vaccine, so in patients taking cyclosporin there is a risk of vaccine virus-related disease and a reduced protective response. Vaccination in immunosuppressed patients is generally avoided unless exposure risk is high.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Ebola zaire vaccine 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
Immunosuppression from calcineurin inhibition can permit greater replication of the live vector and impair immunogenicity.
What to do
Avoid the live Ebola vaccine in patients on cyclosporin except where exposure risk clearly outweighs the danger, and then only after specialist advice. A non-replicating alternative should be considered where available.
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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References
Other interactions of Cyclosporin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Aliskiren + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bosentan + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Dengue vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Ebola zaire vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Ebola zaire vaccine 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. The Ebola Zaire vaccine (Ervebo) is a live replicating vector vaccine, so in patients taking cyclosporin there is a risk of vaccine virus-related disease and a reduced protective response. Vaccination in immunosuppressed patients is generally avoided unless exposure risk is high.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Ebola zaire vaccine?
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 the live Ebola vaccine in patients on cyclosporin except where exposure risk clearly outweighs the danger, and then only after specialist advice. A non-replicating alternative should be considered where available.
What other medicines interact with Cyclosporin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclosporin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Aliskiren, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cyclosporin page.
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