Drug interactions
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids + Prednisone
Severity: Minor
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and Prednisone: 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
Corticosteroids can reduce the antibody response to toxoid vaccines at immunosuppressive doses. These are inactivated vaccines, so there is no infection risk, but protection may be lower.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and Prednisone 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
Glucocorticoid-mediated immunosuppression blunting vaccine response.
What to do
Vaccinate as indicated, ideally before starting high-dose steroids, and do not withhold needed tetanus prophylaxis. Consider rechecking antibody levels or revaccinating after steroids are reduced.
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 Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids with Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and Prednisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Corticosteroids can reduce the antibody response to toxoid vaccines at immunosuppressive doses. These are inactivated vaccines, so there is no infection risk, but protection may be lower.
How serious is the interaction between Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and Prednisone?
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 as indicated, ideally before starting high-dose steroids, and do not withhold needed tetanus prophylaxis. Consider rechecking antibody levels or revaccinating after steroids are reduced.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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