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Drug interactions

Infliximab + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live

Severity: Contraindicated

Infliximab and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live: contraindicated 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, which may cause disseminated infection in patients on infliximab. The immune response to the vaccine may also be impaired.

What this interaction means in plain words

Infliximab and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

TNF inhibition impairs immune control of live attenuated virus replication.

What to do

Avoid during infliximab therapy and for several months after stopping per local guidance. Give at least 4 weeks before starting infliximab where possible.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
  • If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
  • Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?

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 Infliximab with Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live?

MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Infliximab and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. This combined vaccine contains live attenuated viruses, including varicella, which may cause disseminated infection in patients on infliximab. The immune response to the vaccine may also be impaired.

How serious is the interaction between Infliximab and Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live?

MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid during infliximab therapy and for several months after stopping per local guidance. Give at least 4 weeks before starting infliximab where possible.

What other medicines interact with Infliximab?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Infliximab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine. The full list is on the Infliximab page.

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