Drug interactions
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine + Melphalan
Severity: Moderate
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine and Melphalan: moderate 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
Melphalan-induced immunosuppression can reduce the antibody response to Hib vaccine. This is particularly relevant in myeloma patients, who are already at risk of encapsulated bacterial infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine and Melphalan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Cytotoxic immunosuppression impairs the immune response to vaccine antigens.
What to do
Vaccinate before melphalan when possible. If given during therapy, revaccinate at least 3 months after treatment ends once immune competence has returned.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Melphalan
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Melphalan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine with Melphalan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine and Melphalan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Melphalan-induced immunosuppression can reduce the antibody response to Hib vaccine. This is particularly relevant in myeloma patients, who are already at risk of encapsulated bacterial infection.
How serious is the interaction between Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine and Melphalan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Vaccinate before melphalan when possible. If given during therapy, revaccinate at least 3 months after treatment ends once immune competence has returned.
What other medicines interact with Melphalan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Melphalan with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal. The full list is on the Melphalan page.
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