Drug interactions
Deflazacort + Rabies vaccine
Severity: Major
Deflazacort and Rabies vaccine: major 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
Corticosteroids may reduce the antibody response to rabies vaccine, which is concerning because rabies is nearly always fatal once symptomatic. The vaccine is inactivated and does not cause infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deflazacort and Rabies 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
Glucocorticoid immunosuppression decreases rabies neutralizing antibody production.
What to do
Never withhold post-exposure prophylaxis; give vaccine with rabies immunoglobulin as indicated and check neutralizing antibody titres afterward. For pre-exposure vaccination, complete the series before steroids if possible.
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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Other interactions of Deflazacort
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Deflazacort with Rabies vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deflazacort and Rabies 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. Corticosteroids may reduce the antibody response to rabies vaccine, which is concerning because rabies is nearly always fatal once symptomatic. The vaccine is inactivated and does not cause infection.
How serious is the interaction between Deflazacort and Rabies 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: Never withhold post-exposure prophylaxis; give vaccine with rabies immunoglobulin as indicated and check neutralizing antibody titres afterward. For pre-exposure vaccination, complete the series before steroids if possible.
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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