Drug interactions
Human papillomavirus vaccine + Hydrocortisone
Severity: Moderate
Human papillomavirus vaccine and Hydrocortisone: 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
Corticosteroids at supraphysiologic or prolonged doses can blunt the antibody response to vaccines. HPV vaccine is non-live, so it is not unsafe, but protection may be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Human papillomavirus vaccine and Hydrocortisone 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.
Human papillomavirus vaccine belongs to Miscellaneous; Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Glucocorticoid-mediated suppression of lymphocyte activation and antibody production reduces vaccine immunogenicity.
What to do
Vaccinate when possible before starting immunosuppressive doses; if on high-dose therapy, give the vaccine as scheduled rather than withholding it. Consider checking whether additional doses are needed per local immunocompromised guidance.
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 Human papillomavirus vaccine
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Human papillomavirus vaccine Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin rabbit + Human papillomavirus vaccine Moderate
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Human papillomavirus vaccine Moderate
- Belimumab + Human papillomavirus vaccine Moderate
- Cortisone + Human papillomavirus vaccine Moderate
- Cyclosporine + Human papillomavirus vaccine Moderate
Other interactions of Hydrocortisone
- Hydrocortisone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aldesleukin + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aspirin + Hydrocortisone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Human papillomavirus vaccine with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Human papillomavirus vaccine and Hydrocortisone 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. Corticosteroids at supraphysiologic or prolonged doses can blunt the antibody response to vaccines. HPV vaccine is non-live, so it is not unsafe, but protection may be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Human papillomavirus vaccine and Hydrocortisone?
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 when possible before starting immunosuppressive doses; if on high-dose therapy, give the vaccine as scheduled rather than withholding it. Consider checking whether additional doses are needed per local immunocompromised guidance.
What other medicines interact with Human papillomavirus vaccine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Human papillomavirus vaccine with, for example, Antithymocyte globulin equine, Antithymocyte globulin rabbit, Atidarsagene autotemcel. The full list is on the Human papillomavirus vaccine page.
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