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Drug interactions

Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Leflunomide

Severity: Contraindicated

Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal and Leflunomide: contraindicated interaction.

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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

The intranasal influenza vaccine contains live attenuated virus, which may replicate more readily in a patient immunosuppressed by leflunomide. This could cause vaccine-strain infection and the response may be reduced.

What this interaction means in plain words

Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal and Leflunomide 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

Impaired lymphocyte function reduces control of live attenuated virus replication.

What to do

Avoid the live intranasal vaccine; use an inactivated injectable influenza vaccine instead.

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 Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal with Leflunomide?

MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal and Leflunomide 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. The intranasal influenza vaccine contains live attenuated virus, which may replicate more readily in a patient immunosuppressed by leflunomide. This could cause vaccine-strain infection and the response may be reduced.

How serious is the interaction between Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal and Leflunomide?

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 the live intranasal vaccine; use an inactivated injectable influenza vaccine instead.

What other medicines interact with Leflunomide?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Leflunomide with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Leflunomide page.

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