Products That Interfere With Zostavax

• Other vaccines.

Zostavax Interactions Explained

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when Zostavax is combined with any of the drugs listed above.

Immune Globulins

Immune globulins may decrease your body's ability to produce an immune response to Zostavax, making Zostavax less effective. Let your healthcare provider know if you receive immune globulin before or after your Zostavax vaccination, as your vaccination may need to be postponed or, in some cases, repeated.

Immunosuppressants

If you are taking immunosuppressant medications, Zostavax may not work as well as it should. Zostavax works by stimulating your immune system to make antibodies that will fight off the shingles virus. If you are taking medications that suppress and weaken the immune system, your immune system may not be able to make enough antibodies. Also, if your immune system is severely suppressed, it is possible that you may actually get a case of shingles from the vaccine. Make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have taken or plan to take an immunosuppressant before or after your Zostavax vaccination.

Other Vaccines

Giving Zostavax at the same time with most other vaccines has not been studied. It is not known whether Zostavax will interact with most other vaccines. However, Zostavax can be given at the same time as the flu shot (influenza vaccine) without causing any problems.