Drug interactions
Meningococcal a c y and w-135 polysaccharide vaccine combined + Mercaptopurine
Severity: Minor
Meningococcal a c y and w-135 polysaccharide vaccine combined and Mercaptopurine: minor 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
Mercaptopurine may reduce the antibody response to the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine, leaving the patient incompletely protected. Because this vaccine is non-live, it carries no infection risk from the vaccine itself.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meningococcal a c y and w-135 polysaccharide vaccine combined and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Immunosuppression from a purine antimetabolite diminishes B-cell antibody production in response to the vaccine.
What to do
Vaccination is not contraindicated and should not be withheld in patients at risk. Where possible vaccinate before starting mercaptopurine, and consider checking antibody response in high-risk patients.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Mercaptopurine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Febuxostat + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Mercaptopurine + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meningococcal a c y and w-135 polysaccharide vaccine combined with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Meningococcal a c y and w-135 polysaccharide vaccine combined and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Mercaptopurine may reduce the antibody response to the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine, leaving the patient incompletely protected. Because this vaccine is non-live, it carries no infection risk from the vaccine itself.
How serious is the interaction between Meningococcal a c y and w-135 polysaccharide vaccine combined and Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Vaccination is not contraindicated and should not be withheld in patients at risk. Where possible vaccinate before starting mercaptopurine, and consider checking antibody response in high-risk patients.
What other medicines interact with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mercaptopurine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Azathioprine, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Mercaptopurine page.
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