Drug interactions
Upadacitinib + Varicella virus vaccine live
Severity: Contraindicated
Upadacitinib and Varicella virus vaccine live: 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
Upadacitinib suppresses immunity, so live varicella vaccine may cause disseminated vaccine-strain varicella. The vaccine response may also be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Upadacitinib and Varicella virus vaccine live 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
JAK inhibition impairs immune control of live attenuated virus replication.
What to do
Avoid live vaccines during upadacitinib therapy. Vaccinate before starting treatment when possible, and defer after discontinuation until immune recovery.
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 Upadacitinib
- Abrocitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Cyclosporine + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Dengue vaccine + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Upadacitinib with Varicella virus vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Upadacitinib and Varicella virus vaccine live 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. Upadacitinib suppresses immunity, so live varicella vaccine may cause disseminated vaccine-strain varicella. The vaccine response may also be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Upadacitinib and Varicella virus vaccine live?
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 upadacitinib therapy. Vaccinate before starting treatment when possible, and defer after discontinuation until immune recovery.
What other medicines interact with Upadacitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Upadacitinib with, for example, Abrocitinib, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Baricitinib. The full list is on the Upadacitinib page.
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