Drug interactions
Rabies vaccine + Tocilizumab
Severity: Moderate
Rabies vaccine and Tocilizumab: moderate 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
Immunosuppression from tocilizumab may blunt the antibody response to rabies vaccine, which is concerning when it is used for post-exposure prophylaxis. The vaccine is non-live and can be given.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rabies vaccine and Tocilizumab can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
IL-6 receptor blockade reduces humoral vaccine responses.
What to do
Never withhold rabies vaccine after an exposure; give it with immune globulin as indicated and check rabies neutralising antibody titres afterwards.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Tocilizumab
- Bcg vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Rubella vaccine + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Smallpox vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rabies vaccine with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rabies vaccine and Tocilizumab can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Immunosuppression from tocilizumab may blunt the antibody response to rabies vaccine, which is concerning when it is used for post-exposure prophylaxis. The vaccine is non-live and can be given.
How serious is the interaction between Rabies vaccine and Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Never withhold rabies vaccine after an exposure; give it with immune globulin as indicated and check rabies neutralising antibody titres afterwards.
What other medicines interact with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tocilizumab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Tocilizumab page.
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