Drug interactions
Leflunomide + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent
Severity: Minor
Leflunomide and Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent: minor 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 immunosuppressive and may blunt the antibody response to vaccination, reducing protection. The conjugate pneumococcal vaccine is inactivated, so there is no infection risk from the vaccine itself, and vaccination is generally recommended in patients on immunosuppressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Leflunomide and Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal; Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Immunosuppression through inhibition of pyrimidine synthesis reduces lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production.
What to do
Vaccinate as recommended, ideally before starting leflunomide when feasible, and do not withhold the vaccine; consider checking serologic response in high-risk patients.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Other interactions of Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent
- Adalimumab + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Alefacept + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Anakinra + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Anti-thymocyte + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin rabbit + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Leflunomide with Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Leflunomide and Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Leflunomide is immunosuppressive and may blunt the antibody response to vaccination, reducing protection. The conjugate pneumococcal vaccine is inactivated, so there is no infection risk from the vaccine itself, and vaccination is generally recommended in patients on immunosuppressants.
How serious is the interaction between Leflunomide and Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Vaccinate as recommended, ideally before starting leflunomide when feasible, and do not withhold the vaccine; consider checking serologic response in high-risk patients.
What other medicines interact with Leflunomide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Leflunomide with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live. The full list is on the Leflunomide page.
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