Drug interactions
Measles vaccine + Sarilumab
Severity: Major
Measles vaccine and Sarilumab: 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
Sarilumab impairs immune defenses, and measles vaccine contains live attenuated virus. Vaccine-strain disease is a concern in immunosuppressed patients, and the immune response to the vaccine may be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Measles vaccine and Sarilumab 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
IL-6 receptor blockade suppresses immunity, potentially permitting uncontrolled replication of live attenuated virus.
What to do
Avoid live measles vaccine during sarilumab therapy. Vaccinate before starting treatment, following current guidance on intervals.
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 Sarilumab
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Measles vaccine with Sarilumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Measles vaccine and Sarilumab 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. Sarilumab impairs immune defenses, and measles vaccine contains live attenuated virus. Vaccine-strain disease is a concern in immunosuppressed patients, and the immune response to the vaccine may be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Measles vaccine and Sarilumab?
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 live measles vaccine during sarilumab therapy. Vaccinate before starting treatment, following current guidance on intervals.
What other medicines interact with Sarilumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sarilumab with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Dengue vaccine. The full list is on the Sarilumab page.
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