Drug interactions
Prednisone + Rabies vaccine
Severity: Major
Prednisone and Rabies vaccine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Immunosuppressive doses of prednisone may reduce the antibody response to rabies vaccine, which could leave a patient inadequately protected after an exposure. The vaccine is non-live, so there is no infection risk from it.
What this interaction means in plain words
Prednisone and Rabies vaccine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Corticosteroid suppression of immune function reduces the antibody response to the vaccine.
What to do
For post-exposure prophylaxis, complete the full course with immune globulin as indicated and check rabies neutralizing antibody titres afterwards in patients on steroids. For pre-exposure vaccination, defer if possible until steroids are reduced or stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Prednisone with Rabies vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Prednisone and Rabies vaccine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Immunosuppressive doses of prednisone may reduce the antibody response to rabies vaccine, which could leave a patient inadequately protected after an exposure. The vaccine is non-live, so there is no infection risk from it.
How serious is the interaction between Prednisone and Rabies vaccine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: For post-exposure prophylaxis, complete the full course with immune globulin as indicated and check rabies neutralizing antibody titres afterwards in patients on steroids. For pre-exposure vaccination, defer if possible until steroids are reduced or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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