Drug interactions
Hepatitis b vaccine + Mercaptopurine
Severity: Minor
Hepatitis b 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 lower antibody responses to hepatitis B vaccine, so protection may be incomplete. There is no risk of vaccine-strain infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hepatitis b 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 as scheduled and check anti-HBs titres afterwards. Revaccinate or give a higher dose if the response is inadequate.
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 Hepatitis b vaccine with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hepatitis b 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 lower antibody responses to hepatitis B vaccine, so protection may be incomplete. There is no risk of vaccine-strain infection.
How serious is the interaction between Hepatitis b 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 as scheduled and check anti-HBs titres afterwards. Revaccinate or give a higher dose if the response is inadequate.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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