Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Hepatitis b vaccine
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Hepatitis b 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
Corticosteroids can lower the antibody response to hepatitis B vaccine, leaving some patients without adequate protection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Hepatitis b 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.
Why it happens
Glucocorticoid-mediated immunosuppression reduces B- and T-cell responses to the vaccine antigen.
What to do
Complete the series on schedule and check anti-HBs titres one to two months after the last dose. Revaccinate non-responders, ideally at lower steroid doses.
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?
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Other interactions of Dexamethasone
- Bcg vaccine live + Dexamethasone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Varicella virus vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Yellow fever vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Hepatitis b vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Hepatitis b 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. Corticosteroids can lower the antibody response to hepatitis B vaccine, leaving some patients without adequate protection.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Hepatitis b 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: Complete the series on schedule and check anti-HBs titres one to two months after the last dose. Revaccinate non-responders, ideally at lower steroid doses.
What other medicines interact with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dexamethasone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Mifepristone, Rilpivirine. The full list is on the Dexamethasone page.
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