Drug interactions
Influenza a vaccine + Pemetrexed
Severity: Moderate
Influenza a vaccine and Pemetrexed: moderate 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
Pemetrexed-induced myelosuppression and immune suppression may weaken the antibody response to H5N1 influenza vaccine. Protection may therefore be lower than expected in patients on chemotherapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Influenza a vaccine and Pemetrexed can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Cytotoxic immunosuppression reduces vaccine-induced immune response.
What to do
Where timing allows, vaccinate before starting chemotherapy or between cycles. Do not rely on the vaccine alone for protection and consider the patient's exposure risk.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Pemetrexed
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Influenza a vaccine with Pemetrexed?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Influenza a vaccine and Pemetrexed can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Pemetrexed-induced myelosuppression and immune suppression may weaken the antibody response to H5N1 influenza vaccine. Protection may therefore be lower than expected in patients on chemotherapy.
How serious is the interaction between Influenza a vaccine and Pemetrexed?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Where timing allows, vaccinate before starting chemotherapy or between cycles. Do not rely on the vaccine alone for protection and consider the patient's exposure risk.
What other medicines interact with Pemetrexed?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pemetrexed with, for example, Bacitracin, Brexucabtagene autoleucel, Celecoxib. The full list is on the Pemetrexed page.
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