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Drug interactions

Deflazacort + Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine

Severity: Moderate

Deflazacort and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine: moderate 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

Deflazacort may blunt the antibody response to this inactivated combination vaccine, leaving protection suboptimal. There is no risk of vaccine-strain infection because the components are non-live.

What this interaction means in plain words

Deflazacort and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Glucocorticoid immunosuppression reduces antigen-specific lymphocyte and antibody responses.

What to do

Give the vaccine when indicated, ideally before starting therapy or at the lowest steroid dose. Consider revaccination or serology after steroids are stopped if the response matters clinically.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

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

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Deflazacort with Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Deflazacort and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Deflazacort may blunt the antibody response to this inactivated combination vaccine, leaving protection suboptimal. There is no risk of vaccine-strain infection because the components are non-live.

How serious is the interaction between Deflazacort and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give the vaccine when indicated, ideally before starting therapy or at the lowest steroid dose. Consider revaccination or serology after steroids are stopped if the response matters clinically.

What other medicines interact with Deflazacort?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Deflazacort with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal. The full list is on the Deflazacort page.

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