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Drug interactions

Cyclosporin + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live

Severity: Contraindicated

Cyclosporin and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live: contraindicated 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

MMRV contains live attenuated viruses including varicella, which may cause serious disseminated vaccine-virus infection in patients on cyclosporin. The vaccine response may also be reduced.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cyclosporin and Measles mumps rubella and varicella 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.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Calcineurin inhibition suppresses cell-mediated immunity and permits uncontrolled replication of live vaccine viruses.

What to do

Do not administer MMRV to patients on cyclosporin. Delay until immunosuppression is stopped for an adequate interval, usually at least 3 months, and obtain specialist advice.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cyclosporin with Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live?

MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Cyclosporin and Measles mumps rubella and varicella 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. MMRV contains live attenuated viruses including varicella, which may cause serious disseminated vaccine-virus infection in patients on cyclosporin. The vaccine response may also be reduced.

How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Measles mumps rubella and varicella 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: Do not administer MMRV to patients on cyclosporin. Delay until immunosuppression is stopped for an adequate interval, usually at least 3 months, and obtain specialist advice.

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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