Drug interactions
Mercaptopurine + Tetanus toxoid adsorbed or fluid
Severity: Minor
Mercaptopurine and Tetanus toxoid adsorbed or fluid: 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 tetanus toxoid, so protection may be weaker or shorter-lived. Tetanus toxoid is inactivated and can be given safely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mercaptopurine and Tetanus toxoid adsorbed or fluid 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 lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production after vaccination.
What to do
Keep tetanus immunization up to date and give boosters per schedule. For high-risk wounds, follow guidance on giving tetanus immune globulin.
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 Mercaptopurine with Tetanus toxoid adsorbed or fluid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Mercaptopurine and Tetanus toxoid adsorbed or fluid 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 tetanus toxoid, so protection may be weaker or shorter-lived. Tetanus toxoid is inactivated and can be given safely.
How serious is the interaction between Mercaptopurine and Tetanus toxoid adsorbed or fluid?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Keep tetanus immunization up to date and give boosters per schedule. For high-risk wounds, follow guidance on giving tetanus immune globulin.
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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