Drug interactions
Leflunomide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine
Severity: Major
Leflunomide and Measles mumps and rubella vaccine: major 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
Leflunomide is an immunosuppressant with a very long-lasting active metabolite. It may reduce the response to the vaccine and permit replication of the live vaccine viruses, with a risk of vaccine-strain infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Leflunomide and Measles mumps and rubella vaccine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal; Measles mumps and rubella vaccine belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Inhibition of pyrimidine synthesis suppresses lymphocyte proliferation, impairing the response to live attenuated virus.
What to do
Avoid live vaccines during leflunomide therapy and for a period after, as the metabolite persists. Vaccinate before starting where possible, and consider drug elimination if vaccination is urgent.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Measles mumps and rubella vaccine
- Adalimumab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Anakinra + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Antithymocyte globulin rabbit + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Basiliximab + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Leflunomide
- Bcg vaccine live + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Leflunomide with Measles mumps and rubella vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Leflunomide and Measles mumps and rubella vaccine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Leflunomide is an immunosuppressant with a very long-lasting active metabolite. It may reduce the response to the vaccine and permit replication of the live vaccine viruses, with a risk of vaccine-strain infection.
How serious is the interaction between Leflunomide and Measles mumps and rubella vaccine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid live vaccines during leflunomide therapy and for a period after, as the metabolite persists. Vaccinate before starting where possible, and consider drug elimination if vaccination is urgent.
What other medicines interact with Measles mumps and rubella vaccine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Measles mumps and rubella vaccine with, for example, Adalimumab, Anakinra, Antithymocyte globulin equine. The full list is on the Measles mumps and rubella vaccine page.
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