Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal
Severity: Major
Hydrocortisone and Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal: major 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
Intranasal influenza vaccine contains live attenuated virus. Immunosuppressive doses of systemic hydrocortisone may blunt the immune response and allow uncontrolled vaccine-virus replication. The risk depends on the dose and duration of corticosteroid therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal 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
Corticosteroid-induced suppression of cellular and humoral immunity reduces vaccine response and impairs control of the live attenuated virus.
What to do
Avoid live intranasal vaccine in patients on immunosuppressive corticosteroid doses and use inactivated injectable influenza vaccine instead. Physiological replacement doses or short courses are generally acceptable per local guidance.
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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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 Hydrocortisone with Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocortisone and Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal 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. Intranasal influenza vaccine contains live attenuated virus. Immunosuppressive doses of systemic hydrocortisone may blunt the immune response and allow uncontrolled vaccine-virus replication. The risk depends on the dose and duration of corticosteroid therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal?
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 intranasal vaccine in patients on immunosuppressive corticosteroid doses and use inactivated injectable influenza vaccine instead. Physiological replacement doses or short courses are generally acceptable per local guidance.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocortisone with, for example, Mifepristone, Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent, Smallpox vaccine live. The full list is on the Hydrocortisone page.
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