Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Smallpox vaccine attenuated
Severity: Contraindicated
Cyclosporin and Smallpox vaccine attenuated: 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
Attenuated smallpox vaccine contains vaccinia virus, and use in patients on cyclosporin risks progressive vaccinia and a poor immune response. Replicating vaccinia vaccines are contraindicated in immunocompromised patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Smallpox vaccine attenuated 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
Calcineurin inhibition impairs cell-mediated immunity, allowing uncontrolled replication of vaccinia virus.
What to do
Do not use replicating vaccinia vaccine in patients on cyclosporin. If vaccination is needed for exposure, use a non-replicating vaccine and consult public health and 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?
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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 Smallpox vaccine attenuated?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Cyclosporin and Smallpox vaccine attenuated 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. Attenuated smallpox vaccine contains vaccinia virus, and use in patients on cyclosporin risks progressive vaccinia and a poor immune response. Replicating vaccinia vaccines are contraindicated in immunocompromised patients.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Smallpox vaccine attenuated?
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 use replicating vaccinia vaccine in patients on cyclosporin. If vaccination is needed for exposure, use a non-replicating vaccine and consult public health and 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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