Drug interactions
Leflunomide + Zoster vaccine recombinant
Severity: Minor
Leflunomide and Zoster vaccine recombinant: 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-related immunosuppression may reduce the immune response to recombinant zoster vaccine. The vaccine is non-live and is recommended for immunosuppressed patients, so the benefit generally remains.
What this interaction means in plain words
Leflunomide and Zoster vaccine recombinant have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by teriflunomide may reduce vaccine immunogenicity.
What to do
Complete the two-dose series as scheduled without stopping leflunomide, unless otherwise advised by the specialist.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Leflunomide with Zoster vaccine recombinant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Leflunomide and Zoster vaccine recombinant 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-related immunosuppression may reduce the immune response to recombinant zoster vaccine. The vaccine is non-live and is recommended for immunosuppressed patients, so the benefit generally remains.
How serious is the interaction between Leflunomide and Zoster vaccine recombinant?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Complete the two-dose series as scheduled without stopping leflunomide, unless otherwise advised by the specialist.
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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