Drug interactions
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine + Mercaptopurine
Severity: Minor
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine and Mercaptopurine: minor 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
Mercaptopurine can reduce antibody responses to this inactivated combination vaccine, leaving patients with inadequate protection. There is no risk of vaccine-strain infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Immunosuppression reduces the B- and T-cell response to vaccine antigens.
What to do
Vaccinate according to schedule rather than withholding the vaccine. Consider serologic checks or boosters where protection matters.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Mercaptopurine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Febuxostat + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Mercaptopurine + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Mercaptopurine can reduce antibody responses to this inactivated combination vaccine, leaving patients with inadequate protection. There is no risk of vaccine-strain infection.
How serious is the interaction between Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis vaccine and Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Vaccinate according to schedule rather than withholding the vaccine. Consider serologic checks or boosters where protection matters.
What other medicines interact with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mercaptopurine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Azathioprine, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Mercaptopurine page.
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