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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.

Evidence level: Moderate

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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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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