Drug interactions
Smallpox vaccine live + Vedolizumab
Severity: Major
Smallpox vaccine live and Vedolizumab: major 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
Live vaccinia vaccine can cause progressive vaccinia and other serious complications in immunocompromised patients. Vedolizumab is gut-selective, so the risk is likely lower, but its labeling advises avoiding live vaccines unless benefit outweighs risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Smallpox vaccine live and Vedolizumab 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
Theoretical impaired immune containment of replicating vaccinia virus in a patient receiving an immunomodulating biologic.
What to do
Avoid live vaccinia vaccine during vedolizumab therapy unless exposure risk justifies it. If needed, weigh the benefit and monitor the vaccination site and for systemic vaccinia.
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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Other interactions of Vedolizumab
- Natalizumab + Vedolizumab Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Vedolizumab Major
- Certolizumab pegol + Vedolizumab Major
- Etanercept + Vedolizumab Major
- Golimumab + Vedolizumab Major
- Upadacitinib + Vedolizumab Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Smallpox vaccine live with Vedolizumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Smallpox vaccine live and Vedolizumab 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. Live vaccinia vaccine can cause progressive vaccinia and other serious complications in immunocompromised patients. Vedolizumab is gut-selective, so the risk is likely lower, but its labeling advises avoiding live vaccines unless benefit outweighs risk.
How serious is the interaction between Smallpox vaccine live and Vedolizumab?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid live vaccinia vaccine during vedolizumab therapy unless exposure risk justifies it. If needed, weigh the benefit and monitor the vaccination site and for systemic vaccinia.
What other medicines interact with Vedolizumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vedolizumab with, for example, Natalizumab, Baricitinib, Certolizumab pegol. The full list is on the Vedolizumab page.
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