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Drug interactions

Etanercept + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live

Severity: Contraindicated

Etanercept and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live: contraindicated 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

This vaccine contains four live attenuated viruses, which may replicate unchecked in a patient on TNF blockade. Disseminated vaccine-strain disease is the main concern. Immunogenicity may also be reduced.

What this interaction means in plain words

Etanercept and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

TNF inhibition impairs immune clearance of live attenuated viruses.

What to do

Avoid during etanercept therapy. Give at least 4 weeks before starting treatment, or defer until after washout.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
  • If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
  • Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Etanercept with Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live?

MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Etanercept and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. This vaccine contains four live attenuated viruses, which may replicate unchecked in a patient on TNF blockade. Disseminated vaccine-strain disease is the main concern. Immunogenicity may also be reduced.

How serious is the interaction between Etanercept and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live?

MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid during etanercept therapy. Give at least 4 weeks before starting treatment, or defer until after washout.

What other medicines interact with Etanercept?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Etanercept with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Golimumab, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine. The full list is on the Etanercept page.

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