Drug interactions
Rubella vaccine + Tocilizumab
Severity: Contraindicated
Rubella vaccine and Tocilizumab: contraindicated 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
Rubella vaccine contains live attenuated virus that may replicate excessively during tocilizumab-induced immunosuppression. The vaccine response may also be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rubella vaccine and Tocilizumab are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
IL-6 receptor blockade impairs control of live attenuated virus replication.
What to do
Avoid live vaccines during tocilizumab therapy. Vaccinate at least 4 weeks before starting treatment where possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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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
- Smallpox vaccine live + Tocilizumab Contraindicated
- Tocilizumab + Typhoid vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rubella vaccine with Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Rubella vaccine and Tocilizumab are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Rubella vaccine contains live attenuated virus that may replicate excessively during tocilizumab-induced immunosuppression. The vaccine response may also be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Rubella vaccine and Tocilizumab?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid live vaccines during tocilizumab therapy. Vaccinate at least 4 weeks before starting treatment where possible.
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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