Zostavax Drug Interactions

When immunosuppressants, immune globulins, or chemotherapy medications are used in conjunction with Zostavax, drug interactions may potentially occur. These medicines could decrease your body's ability to produce an immune response to Zostavax, making Zostavax less effective. To minimize your risk of developing Zostavax interactions, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking.

Zostavax Drug Interactions: An Introduction

Zostavax® (shingles vaccine) can potentially interact with several other medicines. Some of these medicines that may lead to Zostavax interactions include:
 
  • Immune globulins (various products made up of human antibodies collected from blood donors)
  • Immunosuppressants (medications that can suppress the immune system), such as:
o Certain monoclonal antibodies or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, including:
 
o Chemotherapy medications
o Corticosteroids, such as:
 
  • Betamethasone (Celestone®)
  • Corticotropin
  • Cortisone
  • Dexamethasone (Decadron®)
  • Fludrocortisone (Florinef®)
  • Hydrocortisone (Cortef®)
  • Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol®, Medrol®)
  • Prednisolone (Pediapred®)
  • Prednisone
  • Triamcinolone (Kenalog®)
  • Other vaccines.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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