Drug interactions
Meningococcal group b vaccine + Mercaptopurine
Severity: Minor
Meningococcal group b vaccine 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 lessen the antibody response to meningococcal B vaccine, leaving protection incomplete. The vaccine is non-live and carries no infection risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meningococcal group b vaccine 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 reduces the antibody response to vaccine antigens.
What to do
Complete the vaccine series as recommended and do not delay it. Consider checking response where risk of meningococcal disease is high.
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 group b vaccine with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Meningococcal group b vaccine 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 lessen the antibody response to meningococcal B vaccine, leaving protection incomplete. The vaccine is non-live and carries no infection risk.
How serious is the interaction between Meningococcal group b vaccine 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: Complete the vaccine series as recommended and do not delay it. Consider checking response where risk of meningococcal disease is high.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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