Drug interactions
Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent adjuvanted + Rituximab
Severity: Moderate
Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent adjuvanted and Rituximab: 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
Rituximab-induced B-cell depletion weakens the antibody response to adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine. Vaccine benefit is therefore reduced during and for months after rituximab treatment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent adjuvanted and Rituximab 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
Rituximab-mediated CD20-positive B-cell depletion impairs humoral vaccine responses.
What to do
Time vaccination at least 4 weeks before rituximab where possible. If given later, do not rely on the response and keep other infection-prevention measures.
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 Rituximab
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent adjuvanted with Rituximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent adjuvanted and Rituximab 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. Rituximab-induced B-cell depletion weakens the antibody response to adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine. Vaccine benefit is therefore reduced during and for months after rituximab treatment.
How serious is the interaction between Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent adjuvanted and Rituximab?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Time vaccination at least 4 weeks before rituximab where possible. If given later, do not rely on the response and keep other infection-prevention measures.
What other medicines interact with Rituximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rituximab with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Baricitinib, Certolizumab pegol. The full list is on the Rituximab page.
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