Drug interactions
Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine + Rituximab
Severity: Moderate
Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine 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 impairs antibody formation, so the inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine may not yield protective titres. This matters for travellers to endemic areas who would be relying on vaccine protection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine 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
Complete vaccination at least 4 weeks before rituximab if possible. If vaccinated on therapy, consider checking antibody response and emphasize mosquito-avoidance 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 Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine with Rituximab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine 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 impairs antibody formation, so the inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine may not yield protective titres. This matters for travellers to endemic areas who would be relying on vaccine protection.
How serious is the interaction between Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine 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: Complete vaccination at least 4 weeks before rituximab if possible. If vaccinated on therapy, consider checking antibody response and emphasize mosquito-avoidance 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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