MMR Drug Interactions

Anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids are just a few of the drugs that can interact with MMR. These reactions can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine and, in some cases, even put you at risk for developing a mild form of measles, mumps, or rubella. To ensure your safety, tell your healthcare provider about all of your current medications before getting vaccinated.

An Overview of Interactions With MMR

The MMR vaccine (officially known as M-M-R® II) can potentially interact with a few medications. Some of the medicines that may lead to MMR drug interactions include:
 
  • Anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) or heparin
  • Immune globulins or blood products (such as a blood transfusion)
  • Immunosuppressants, such as:
     
 
 
    • Chemotherapy (as well as radiation treatment)
    • Corticosteroids, such as:
 
      • Betamethasone (Celestone®)
      • Cortisone
      • Dexamethasone (Decadron®)
      • Fludrocortisone (Florinef®)
      • Hydrocortisone (Cortef®)
      • Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol®, Medrol®)
      • Prednisolone (Pediapred®)
      • Prednisone
      • Triamcinolone (Kenalog®)
 
    • Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®)
    • Cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®)
    • Etanercept (Enbrel®)
    • Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®)
    • Mycophenolate (CellCept®)
    • Sirolimus (Rapamune®)
    • Tacrolimus (Prograf®)
 
  • Tuberculin skin tests (PPD tests).
     

Add
Email
Print
(MMR Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles