Drug interactions
Irinotecan + Meningococcal group b vaccine
Severity: Moderate
Irinotecan and Meningococcal group b vaccine: 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
Irinotecan causes myelosuppression and immunosuppression, which may blunt the antibody response to meningococcal B vaccination. The vaccine is inactivated and not unsafe, but protection may be inadequate.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irinotecan and Meningococcal group b vaccine 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
Chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression reduces vaccine immune response.
What to do
Vaccinate at least two weeks before chemotherapy when possible, or consider revaccination or antibody checks after recovery of counts.
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 Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Irinotecan with Meningococcal group b vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Irinotecan and Meningococcal group b vaccine 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. Irinotecan causes myelosuppression and immunosuppression, which may blunt the antibody response to meningococcal B vaccination. The vaccine is inactivated and not unsafe, but protection may be inadequate.
How serious is the interaction between Irinotecan and Meningococcal group b vaccine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Vaccinate at least two weeks before chemotherapy when possible, or consider revaccination or antibody checks after recovery of counts.
What other medicines interact with Irinotecan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Irinotecan with, for example, Clozapine, Sacituzumab govitecan, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live. The full list is on the Irinotecan page.
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