Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live
Severity: Major
Hydrocortisone and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live: 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
This combined vaccine contains live attenuated viruses including varicella. In patients on immunosuppressive doses of hydrocortisone, vaccine viruses may disseminate and cause illness, and the immune response may be impaired.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live 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 immunosuppression impairs control of live attenuated viruses and reduces immunogenicity.
What to do
Avoid during immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy and defer until the interval recommended after discontinuation. Low-dose or replacement therapy usually does not preclude vaccination.
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 Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocortisone and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live 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. This combined vaccine contains live attenuated viruses including varicella. In patients on immunosuppressive doses of hydrocortisone, vaccine viruses may disseminate and cause illness, and the immune response may be impaired.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live?
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 during immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy and defer until the interval recommended after discontinuation. Low-dose or replacement therapy usually does not preclude vaccination.
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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