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Drug interactions

Mechlorethamine + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent

Severity: Moderate

Mechlorethamine and Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent: 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

Systemic mechlorethamine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent that suppresses immune responses, which may reduce the response to pneumococcal vaccination. Protection may therefore be inadequate in treated patients.

What this interaction means in plain words

Mechlorethamine and Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent 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.

Mechlorethamine belongs to Oncology; Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Cytotoxic myelosuppression and lymphocyte depletion impair vaccine-induced antibody production.

What to do

Give the vaccine at least 2 weeks before chemotherapy when feasible. If vaccinated during or shortly before treatment, revaccinate after immune recovery.

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?

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 Mechlorethamine with Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mechlorethamine and Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent 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. Systemic mechlorethamine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent that suppresses immune responses, which may reduce the response to pneumococcal vaccination. Protection may therefore be inadequate in treated patients.

How serious is the interaction between Mechlorethamine and Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give the vaccine at least 2 weeks before chemotherapy when feasible. If vaccinated during or shortly before treatment, revaccinate after immune recovery.

What other medicines interact with Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent with, for example, Adalimumab, Alefacept, Anakinra. The full list is on the Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent page.

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