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Drug interactions

Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Tocilizumab

Severity: Contraindicated

Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live and Tocilizumab: 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

This live combination vaccine may cause disseminated measles, mumps, rubella or varicella vaccine-strain disease in patients on tocilizumab. The immune response to the vaccine may also be diminished.

What this interaction means in plain words

Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live and Tocilizumab 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

IL-6 receptor blockade impairs control of live attenuated virus replication.

What to do

Avoid during tocilizumab treatment. Give at least 4 weeks before starting therapy if feasible, or use separate non-live strategies as 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live with Tocilizumab?

MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live and Tocilizumab 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. This live combination vaccine may cause disseminated measles, mumps, rubella or varicella vaccine-strain disease in patients on tocilizumab. The immune response to the vaccine may also be diminished.

How serious is the interaction between Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live and Tocilizumab?

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 during tocilizumab treatment. Give at least 4 weeks before starting therapy if feasible, or use separate non-live strategies as appropriate.

What other medicines interact with Tocilizumab?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Tocilizumab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles vaccine. The full list is on the Tocilizumab page.

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