Drug interactions
Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Prednisone
Severity: Major
Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live 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
Immunosuppressive doses of prednisone can reduce the response to the live MMRV vaccine and permit disseminated replication of the attenuated viruses, including varicella. This creates a risk of vaccine-strain disease and poor protection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live 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.
Why it happens
Corticosteroid-induced suppression of cellular and humoral immunity reduces vaccine immunogenicity and permits replication of live attenuated viruses.
What to do
With high-dose or prolonged prednisone therapy, delay live vaccination until at least 1 month after the steroid is stopped, per local guidance. Low-dose or short-course therapy usually does not preclude vaccination; reassess immunity if the vaccine was given during immunosuppression.
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 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 rubella and varicella vaccine live with Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live 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. Immunosuppressive doses of prednisone can reduce the response to the live MMRV vaccine and permit disseminated replication of the attenuated viruses, including varicella. This creates a risk of vaccine-strain disease and poor protection.
How serious is the interaction between Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live 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: With high-dose or prolonged prednisone therapy, delay live vaccination until at least 1 month after the steroid is stopped, per local guidance. Low-dose or short-course therapy usually does not preclude vaccination; reassess immunity if the vaccine was given during immunosuppression.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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