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Can Shingles Vaccination Be Taken While On Abatacept?
Question: I have an aggressive form of rheumatoid arthritis. I have taken or Orencia infusions. Due to lack of response + side effects, my Dr. has agreed to stop. I am to try xeljans but, I must have shingles vaccine 1st. Vac. says not to have IF I have been taking biologic i.e. Orencia.
Also, I have taken Leflunamide & Methylprednosolone for past 4.5 yrs.
It is exactly 4 weeks since my last infusion.
How risky is it to get vac. now? Or should I wait longer to get the shingles vac for Orencia to get out of my system? I am concerned the vac will "give me shingles due to zero immune from prior meds.
My CRP # ranges from 15 to 22 w/ about 3 being XXXXXXX tolerable
Please review & advise.
XXXXXXX XXXX
Also, I have taken Leflunamide & Methylprednosolone for past 4.5 yrs.
It is exactly 4 weeks since my last infusion.
How risky is it to get vac. now? Or should I wait longer to get the shingles vac for Orencia to get out of my system? I am concerned the vac will "give me shingles due to zero immune from prior meds.
My CRP # ranges from 15 to 22 w/ about 3 being XXXXXXX tolerable
Please review & advise.
XXXXXXX XXXX
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.
Related your concern you should know that you should not take a live vaccine
like a shingles vaccine while on abatacept.
It’s recommended that Zostavax( shingle vaccine) be deferred until after a patient has been off biologic therapy or high-dose steroids for at least 4 weeks, and that a biologic agent shouldn’t be started for 2-4 weeks after vaccination.
The recommendation against giving the zoster vaccine to patients while on biologics is based upon the theoretical risk that exposure to the live attenuated virus will trigger an acute shingles attack.
So, in your case that you are exactly 4 weeks since your last infusion you can get the shingles vaccine now or after some days if you want.
Furthermore you should know that an inactivated virus vaccine for the prevention of shingles is now in clinical trials. It appears to be more effective than the current vaccine. I suggest to speak with your doctor for this alternative of vaccine.
I hope my answer helps you. Feel free to ask me further.
Regards.
Please see the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.
Related your concern you should know that you should not take a live vaccine
like a shingles vaccine while on abatacept.
It’s recommended that Zostavax( shingle vaccine) be deferred until after a patient has been off biologic therapy or high-dose steroids for at least 4 weeks, and that a biologic agent shouldn’t be started for 2-4 weeks after vaccination.
The recommendation against giving the zoster vaccine to patients while on biologics is based upon the theoretical risk that exposure to the live attenuated virus will trigger an acute shingles attack.
So, in your case that you are exactly 4 weeks since your last infusion you can get the shingles vaccine now or after some days if you want.
Furthermore you should know that an inactivated virus vaccine for the prevention of shingles is now in clinical trials. It appears to be more effective than the current vaccine. I suggest to speak with your doctor for this alternative of vaccine.
I hope my answer helps you. Feel free to ask me further.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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