Drug interactions
Dengue vaccine + Doxorubicin
Severity: Major
Dengue vaccine and Doxorubicin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Doxorubicin-related immunosuppression may blunt the response to dengue vaccine. The dengue vaccine is live attenuated, so vaccination during chemotherapy also carries a risk of vaccine-related infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dengue vaccine and Doxorubicin 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
Cytotoxic immunosuppression impairs vaccine response and permits replication of live attenuated virus.
What to do
Avoid live dengue vaccine during chemotherapy and until immune recovery. Schedule vaccination well before chemotherapy or after immune reconstitution.
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
- Doxorubicin 2 mg/ml Concentrate for solution for infusion - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: actively vaccinated; "During treatment with Doxorubicin 2 mg/ml patients should not be actively vaccinated and also avoid contact with recently polio vaccinated persons.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Doxorubicin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dengue vaccine with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dengue vaccine and Doxorubicin 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. Doxorubicin-related immunosuppression may blunt the response to dengue vaccine. The dengue vaccine is live attenuated, so vaccination during chemotherapy also carries a risk of vaccine-related infection.
How serious is the interaction between Dengue vaccine and Doxorubicin?
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 live dengue vaccine during chemotherapy and until immune recovery. Schedule vaccination well before chemotherapy or after immune reconstitution.
What other medicines interact with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Doxorubicin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Doxorubicin page.
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