Drug interactions
Fingolimod + Zoster vaccine live
Severity: Major
Fingolimod and Zoster vaccine live: 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
Fingolimod reduces circulating lymphocytes and may reduce vaccine effectiveness. The live attenuated zoster vaccine can cause disseminated varicella-zoster infection in an immunosuppressed patient.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fingolimod and Zoster vaccine live 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
S1P receptor modulation impairs immune response and control of live attenuated varicella-zoster virus.
What to do
Avoid live zoster vaccine during fingolimod therapy and for about two months after stopping. Use the recombinant non-live zoster vaccine instead.
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 Fingolimod
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Ponesimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Siponimod Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fingolimod with Zoster vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fingolimod and Zoster vaccine live 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. Fingolimod reduces circulating lymphocytes and may reduce vaccine effectiveness. The live attenuated zoster vaccine can cause disseminated varicella-zoster infection in an immunosuppressed patient.
How serious is the interaction between Fingolimod and Zoster vaccine live?
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 zoster vaccine during fingolimod therapy and for about two months after stopping. Use the recombinant non-live zoster vaccine instead.
What other medicines interact with Fingolimod?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fingolimod with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Pimozide. The full list is on the Fingolimod page.
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