Drug interactions
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Sulfasalazine
Severity: Moderate
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Sulfasalazine: moderate 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
Sulfasalazine is cleaved to release a salicylate-like compound (5-aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine), and salicylate exposure after live viral vaccination carries a theoretical risk of Reye's syndrome, mainly in children. The risk is largely theoretical for the vaccine viruses, and sulfasalazine delivers much less systemic salicylate than aspirin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Sulfasalazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic association between salicylate exposure and Reye's syndrome after viral infection; not firmly established for this vaccine.
What to do
In children and adolescents, review whether vaccination can be timed to avoid concurrent salicylate-type therapy, and counsel caregivers to report vomiting, lethargy or confusion promptly. Avoid aspirin for about 6 weeks after vaccination where possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Sulfasalazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Sulfasalazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Sulfasalazine is cleaved to release a salicylate-like compound (5-aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine), and salicylate exposure after live viral vaccination carries a theoretical risk of Reye's syndrome, mainly in children. The risk is largely theoretical for the vaccine viruses, and sulfasalazine delivers much less systemic salicylate than aspirin.
How serious is the interaction between Measles mumps and rubella vaccine and Sulfasalazine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: In children and adolescents, review whether vaccination can be timed to avoid concurrent salicylate-type therapy, and counsel caregivers to report vomiting, lethargy or confusion promptly. Avoid aspirin for about 6 weeks after vaccination where possible.
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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