Drug interactions
Ustekinumab + Varicella virus vaccine live
Severity: Major
Ustekinumab and Varicella virus vaccine live: 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 varicella vaccine may cause disseminated vaccine-strain infection in patients immunosuppressed by ustekinumab. The immune response may also be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ustekinumab and Varicella virus vaccine live 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
Immunosuppression via IL-12/23 blockade may allow uncontrolled replication of live attenuated virus.
What to do
Avoid during therapy; vaccinate susceptible patients several weeks before starting ustekinumab, and check varicella immunity beforehand.
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 Ustekinumab
- Bcg vaccine live + Ustekinumab Contraindicated
- Typhoid vaccine live + Ustekinumab Contraindicated
- Adalimumab + Ustekinumab Major
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Ustekinumab Major
- Alefacept + Ustekinumab Major
- Anakinra + Ustekinumab Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ustekinumab with Varicella virus vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ustekinumab and Varicella virus vaccine live 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 varicella vaccine may cause disseminated vaccine-strain infection in patients immunosuppressed by ustekinumab. The immune response may also be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Ustekinumab and Varicella virus vaccine live?
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 during therapy; vaccinate susceptible patients several weeks before starting ustekinumab, and check varicella immunity beforehand.
What other medicines interact with Ustekinumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ustekinumab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Typhoid vaccine live, Adalimumab. The full list is on the Ustekinumab page.
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