Does Live Attenuated Vaccines Interact with Fingolimod?
Live Attenuated Vaccines and Fingolimod have a contraindicated drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Avoid live attenuated vaccines during and for 2 months after fingolimod treatment due to risk of infection from immunosuppression. The mechanism involves fingolimod reduces immune response to vaccination. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Contraindicated
- Fingolimod Class
- Sphingosine 1-phosphate Receptor Modulator
- Management
- Do not take together
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Live Attenuated Vaccines and Fingolimod occurs because fingolimod reduces immune response to vaccination. Clinically, this means avoid live attenuated vaccines during and for 2 months after fingolimod treatment due to risk of infection from immunosuppression. Because of the severity of this interaction, these medications are contraindicated — meaning they should not be taken together under any circumstances. If you are currently taking both, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss alternatives.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Live Attenuated Vaccines and your doctor is considering prescribing Fingolimod (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask about alternative medications that do not interact with your current regimen
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider