Drug interactions
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Prednisone
Severity: Major
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Prednisone: 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
Systemic prednisone suppresses immunity in a dose- and duration-dependent manner. At high doses, vaccine response may be reduced and the live vaccine viruses may replicate more, risking vaccine-strain disease. Low-dose or short courses carry little concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Prednisone 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.
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine belongs to Miscellaneous; Prednisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Glucocorticoid-induced suppression of cell-mediated immunity impairs control of live attenuated viruses.
What to do
Avoid MMR in patients on about 20 mg/day or more for 14 days or longer, and wait at least 1 month after stopping. Lower doses may be vaccinated per local guidance.
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 Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Measles mumps and rubella vaccine with Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Prednisone 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. Systemic prednisone suppresses immunity in a dose- and duration-dependent manner. At high doses, vaccine response may be reduced and the live vaccine viruses may replicate more, risking vaccine-strain disease. Low-dose or short courses carry little concern.
How serious is the interaction between Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Prednisone?
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 MMR in patients on about 20 mg/day or more for 14 days or longer, and wait at least 1 month after stopping. Lower doses may be vaccinated per local guidance.
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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