Drug interactions
Dengue vaccine + Irinotecan
Severity: Major
Dengue vaccine and Irinotecan: 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
Dengue vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. In patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy such as irinotecan, the immune response may be reduced and there is a theoretical risk of vaccine-related infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dengue vaccine and Irinotecan 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
Chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression reduces vaccine response and may permit replication of the live vaccine virus.
What to do
Avoid live vaccines during chemotherapy and for a period after treatment until immune recovery. Plan vaccination before starting therapy when 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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References
Other interactions of Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dengue vaccine with Irinotecan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dengue vaccine and Irinotecan 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. Dengue vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. In patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy such as irinotecan, the immune response may be reduced and there is a theoretical risk of vaccine-related infection.
How serious is the interaction between Dengue vaccine and Irinotecan?
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 vaccines during chemotherapy and for a period after treatment until immune recovery. Plan vaccination before starting therapy when possible.
What other medicines interact with Irinotecan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Irinotecan with, for example, Clozapine, Sacituzumab govitecan, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live. The full list is on the Irinotecan page.
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