Drug interactions
Mercaptopurine + Typhoid polysaccharide vaccine
Severity: Minor
Mercaptopurine and Typhoid polysaccharide vaccine: 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 inactivated typhoid polysaccharide vaccine, resulting in less protection. The vaccine is not live, so it can be given safely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mercaptopurine and Typhoid polysaccharide vaccine 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 impairs antibody production after vaccination.
What to do
Give the vaccine at least two weeks before travel where possible, and do not substitute the live oral typhoid vaccine. Reinforce food and water precautions.
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 Typhoid polysaccharide vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Mercaptopurine and Typhoid polysaccharide vaccine 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 inactivated typhoid polysaccharide vaccine, resulting in less protection. The vaccine is not live, so it can be given safely.
How serious is the interaction between Mercaptopurine and Typhoid polysaccharide vaccine?
MediHelp rates it minor, 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 two weeks before travel where possible, and do not substitute the live oral typhoid vaccine. Reinforce food and water precautions.
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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