Drug interactions
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Mechlorethamine
Severity: Contraindicated
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Mechlorethamine: contraindicated 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
Mechlorethamine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent that suppresses immunity, so live vaccine viruses can cause disseminated infection and the vaccine response is poor. Systemic use is a clear reason to avoid live vaccines; topical gel exposure is much lower.
What this interaction means in plain words
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Mechlorethamine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine belongs to Miscellaneous; Mechlorethamine belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Cytotoxic myelosuppression and lymphocyte depletion impair control of live attenuated viruses and vaccine response.
What to do
Avoid live vaccines during systemic mechlorethamine and for at least 3 months after stopping. Give inactivated alternatives where appropriate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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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 Mechlorethamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Measles mumps and rubella vaccine with Mechlorethamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Mechlorethamine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Mechlorethamine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent that suppresses immunity, so live vaccine viruses can cause disseminated infection and the vaccine response is poor. Systemic use is a clear reason to avoid live vaccines; topical gel exposure is much lower.
How serious is the interaction between Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Mechlorethamine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid live vaccines during systemic mechlorethamine and for at least 3 months after stopping. Give inactivated alternatives where appropriate.
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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