Drug interactions
Hydroxycarbamide + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal
Severity: Major
Hydroxycarbamide and Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Hydroxyurea is immunosuppressive, so the live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine may be less effective. It may also cause vaccine-strain infection in an immunocompromised patient.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxycarbamide 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
Immunosuppression impairs the vaccine response and permits replication of live virus.
What to do
Use an inactivated injectable influenza vaccine instead of the intranasal live vaccine in patients on hydroxyurea.
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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References
Other interactions of Hydroxycarbamide
- Didanosine + Hydroxycarbamide Contraindicated
- Hydroxycarbamide + Stavudine Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydroxycarbamide Major
- Axicabtagene ciloleucel + Hydroxycarbamide Major
- Bcg intravesical live + Hydroxycarbamide Major
- Bcg vaccine live + Hydroxycarbamide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxycarbamide with Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxycarbamide 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. Hydroxyurea is immunosuppressive, so the live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine may be less effective. It may also cause vaccine-strain infection in an immunocompromised patient.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxycarbamide 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: Use an inactivated injectable influenza vaccine instead of the intranasal live vaccine in patients on hydroxyurea.
What other medicines interact with Hydroxycarbamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydroxycarbamide with, for example, Didanosine, Stavudine, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live. The full list is on the Hydroxycarbamide page.
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