Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Measles vaccine
Severity: Major
Dexamethasone and Measles vaccine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Measles vaccine is live attenuated, and immunosuppressive corticosteroid doses can reduce the response and risk disseminated vaccine virus infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Measles 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 impairs the response to the live vaccine and may permit uncontrolled viral replication.
What to do
Avoid live vaccine during immunosuppressive steroid doses; defer until about one month after high-dose therapy ends. Low-dose or short-course steroids generally do not preclude vaccination.
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 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 Measles vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dexamethasone and Measles 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. Measles vaccine is live attenuated, and immunosuppressive corticosteroid doses can reduce the response and risk disseminated vaccine virus infection.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Measles 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: Avoid live vaccine during immunosuppressive steroid doses; defer until about one month after high-dose therapy ends. Low-dose or short-course steroids generally do not preclude vaccination.
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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