Drug interactions
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Salicylates
Severity: Major
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Salicylates: 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
Salicylate use after varicella-containing live vaccines has been associated with Reye syndrome. Labeling advises avoiding salicylates for six weeks after vaccination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Salicylates 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.
Why it happens
Salicylate exposure during vaccine-strain varicella infection is associated with Reye syndrome; mechanism not fully established.
What to do
Avoid salicylates for 6 weeks after varicella-containing vaccine; use paracetamol for fever or pain.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Measles mumps and rubella vaccine with Salicylates?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Salicylates 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. Salicylate use after varicella-containing live vaccines has been associated with Reye syndrome. Labeling advises avoiding salicylates for six weeks after vaccination.
How serious is the interaction between Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Salicylates?
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 salicylates for 6 weeks after varicella-containing vaccine; use paracetamol for fever or pain.
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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