Drug interactions
Rituximab + Zoster vaccine recombinant
Severity: Moderate
Rituximab and Zoster vaccine recombinant: 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
Rituximab may reduce the antibody response to recombinant zoster vaccine, although the vaccine is non-live and can be given safely. Protection against shingles may be lower than normal.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rituximab and Zoster vaccine recombinant 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
Rituximab-mediated CD20-positive B-cell depletion impairs humoral vaccine responses.
What to do
Give the vaccine at least 4 weeks before a rituximab course when feasible. If rituximab is already planned, do not delay essential therapy solely for vaccination.
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 Rituximab
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rituximab with Zoster vaccine recombinant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rituximab and Zoster vaccine recombinant 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. Rituximab may reduce the antibody response to recombinant zoster vaccine, although the vaccine is non-live and can be given safely. Protection against shingles may be lower than normal.
How serious is the interaction between Rituximab and Zoster vaccine recombinant?
MediHelp rates it moderate, 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 4 weeks before a rituximab course when feasible. If rituximab is already planned, do not delay essential therapy solely for vaccination.
What other medicines interact with Rituximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rituximab with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Baricitinib, Certolizumab pegol. The full list is on the Rituximab page.
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