Drug interactions
Hepatitis b vaccine + Rituximab
Severity: Moderate
Hepatitis b vaccine and Rituximab: 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
Rituximab depletes B cells and markedly reduces antibody responses to vaccines. The non-live vaccine is safe, but protection may be inadequate if given during or soon after rituximab.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hepatitis b vaccine and Rituximab 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
B-cell depletion impairs humoral response to vaccination.
What to do
Give the vaccine at least 4 weeks before rituximab where possible. Check anti-HBs titers afterwards and revaccinate after B-cell recovery if needed.
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 Rituximab
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hepatitis b vaccine with Rituximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hepatitis b vaccine and Rituximab 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. Rituximab depletes B cells and markedly reduces antibody responses to vaccines. The non-live vaccine is safe, but protection may be inadequate if given during or soon after rituximab.
How serious is the interaction between Hepatitis b vaccine and Rituximab?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give the vaccine at least 4 weeks before rituximab where possible. Check anti-HBs titers afterwards and revaccinate after B-cell recovery if needed.
What other medicines interact with Rituximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rituximab with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Baricitinib, Certolizumab pegol. The full list is on the Rituximab page.
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