varicella virus vaccine live (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Varivax

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

vaccine

  • 1350 plaque forming units/0.5mL

Varicella Immunization

Indicated for all adults without evidence of immunity to varicella

2 dose series: 0.5 mL SC/IM, repeat at least 4 weeks later

Vaccination Schedules

Up-to-date vaccination schedules available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/

Dosage Forms & Strengths

vaccine

  • 1350 plaque forming units/0.5mL

Varicella Immunization

Indicated for routine immunization (ACIP guidelines)

Minimum age: 12 months

Routine vaccination

  • 2 dose series: 0.5 mL SC/IM
  • 1st dose: 12-15 months
  • 2nd dose: 4-6 years; may be administered before age 4 yr, provided at least 3 months have elapsed since the first dose
  • Note: If the 2nd dose was administered at least 4 weeks after the first dose, it can be accepted as valid

Catch-up vaccination aged 7-18 yr

  • 7-12 years: 0.5 mL SC/IM x2 doses at least 3 months apart; if the second dose was administered at least 4 weeks after the first dose, it can be accepted as valid
  • ≥13 years: 0.5 mL SC/IM x2 doses at least 4 weeks apart
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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and varicella virus vaccine live

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      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

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            Contraindicated (15)

            • belimumab

              belimumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Do not administer live vaccines 30 days before or concurrently with belimumab.

            • certolizumab pegol

              certolizumab pegol decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Do not give live vaccines concurrently with certolizumab.

            • famciclovir

              famciclovir will decrease the level or effect of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Avoid famciclovir use 24 h before and 14 days following varicella vaccine.

            • ibrutinib

              ibrutinib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.

            • ifosfamide

              ifosfamide decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo. after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.

            • ixekizumab

              ixekizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Ixekizumab may interfere with immune response of live vaccines and increase risk for vaccine adverse effects; prior to initiating ixekizumab, complete all age appropriate immunizations.

            • lomustine

              lomustine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3mo after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.

            • mechlorethamine

              mechlorethamine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.

            • melphalan

              melphalan decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo. after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.

            • methotrexate

              methotrexate decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunization with live virus vaccines is generally not recommended.

            • onasemnogene abeparvovec

              onasemnogene abeparvovec decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Adjust vaccinations to accommodate concomitant corticosteroid administration prior to and following onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion. Avoid live vaccines for at least 1 month when initiating or after high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy administered for =2 weeks.

            • oxaliplatin

              oxaliplatin decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo. after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.

            • procarbazine

              procarbazine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.

            • secukinumab

              secukinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Secukinumab may interfere with immune response of live vaccines and increase risk for vaccine adverse effects; prior to initiating secukinumab, complete all age appropriate immunizations.

            • ustekinumab

              ustekinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by Mechanism: pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Prior initiating therapy, patients should receive all age-appropriate immunizations as recommended by current guidelines. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            Serious - Use Alternative (76)

            • abrocitinib

              abrocitinib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Administration of live vaccines is not recommended during abrocitinib treatment and immediately before or after treatment.

            • adalimumab

              adalimumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • alefacept

              alefacept decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • anakinra

              anakinra decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • anifrolumab

              anifrolumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Before initiation, update immunization according to current guidelines.

            • antithymocyte globulin equine

              antithymocyte globulin equine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • antithymocyte globulin rabbit

              antithymocyte globulin rabbit decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • aspirin

              aspirin, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • aspirin rectal

              aspirin rectal, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate

              aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • atoltivimab/maftivimab/odesivimab

              atoltivimab/maftivimab/odesivimab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Ebola monoclonal antibodies may interfere with immune response of live vaccines. Refer to vaccine guidelines for vaccination timing during and following treatment. .

            • axicabtagene ciloleucel

              axicabtagene ciloleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid live virus vaccines for at least 6 weeks before initiating lymphodepleting therapy, during axicabtagene ciloleucel treatment, and after treatment until full immune recovery is achieved.

            • azathioprine

              azathioprine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • balsalazide

              balsalazide, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • baricitinib

              baricitinib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live vaccines with baricitinib. Update immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines before initiating baricitinib.

            • basiliximab

              basiliximab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • brexucabtagene autoleucel

              brexucabtagene autoleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid live virus vaccines for at least 6 weeks before initiating lymphodepleting therapy, during brexucabtagene autoleucel treatment, and after treatment until full immune recovery is achieved.

            • budesonide

              budesonide decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • cabazitaxel

              cabazitaxel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Live attenuated vaccines should not be used in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects.

            • canakinumab

              canakinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • choline magnesium trisalicylate

              choline magnesium trisalicylate, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • ciltacabtagene autoleucel

              ciltacabtagene autoleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks before starting lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CAR-T cell treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment. .

            • cortisone

              cortisone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • cyclosporine

              cyclosporine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Avoid live vaccines in immunocompromised patients due to the risk of developing a clinical infection from the live vaccine. Inadequate immune response to the vaccine may also occur in the presence of immunosuppressants. Avoid live vaccines for at least 3 months after cessation of immunosuppressant therapy unless the benefit of vaccine administration outweighs the potential risk.

            • deflazacort

              deflazacort decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

              deflazacort decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Do not administer live or live attenuated vaccines to patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.

            • dexamethasone

              dexamethasone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • diflunisal

              diflunisal, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • elivaldogene autotemcel

              elivaldogene autotemcel, varicella virus vaccine live. Either decreases effects of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: The safety and effectiveness of vaccination during or following elivaldogene autotemcel treatment have not been studied. Vaccination is not recommended during the 6 weeks preceding myeloablative conditioning, and until hematological recovery following elivaldogene autotemcel treatment. Where feasible, administer childhood vaccinations before myeloablative conditioning. .

            • etanercept

              etanercept decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • everolimus

              everolimus decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • fingolimod

              fingolimod decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid live attenuated vaccines during and for 2 months after stopping fingolimod.

            • fludrocortisone

              fludrocortisone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • glatiramer

              glatiramer decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • golimumab

              golimumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • guselkumab

              guselkumab, varicella virus vaccine live. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Prior to initiating guselkumab, complete all age appropriate immunizations. No data available on the ability of live or inactive vaccine to elicit an immune response in patients treated with guselkumab.

            • hydrocortisone

              hydrocortisone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • hydroxychloroquine sulfate

              hydroxychloroquine sulfate decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • hydroxyurea

              hydroxyurea decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Vaccination with live vaccines in a patient receiving hydroxyurea may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection).

            • idecabtagene vicleucel

              idecabtagene vicleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks before starting lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CAR-T cell treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment. .

            • infliximab

              infliximab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • leflunomide

              leflunomide decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • mercaptopurine

              mercaptopurine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • mesalamine

              mesalamine, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • methylprednisolone

              methylprednisolone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • muromonab CD3

              muromonab CD3 decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • mycophenolate

              mycophenolate decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • ocrelizumab

              ocrelizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during ocrelizumab treatment and until B-cell repletion.

            • ofatumumab SC

              ofatumumab SC decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ofatumumab SC for live or live-attenuated vaccines, and whenever possible.

            • ozanimod

              ozanimod decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live-attenuated vaccines with ozanimod during treatment and for up to 3 months after discontinuing ozanimod. .

            • ponesimod

              ponesimod decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live attenuated vaccines at least 1 month before initiating, during, and for 1-2 weeks after treatment. Coadministration with live attenuated vaccines may increase infection risk.

            • prednisolone

              prednisolone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • prednisone

              prednisone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • rilonacept

              rilonacept decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • risankizumab

              risankizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live vaccines. Before starting risankizumab, complete age appropriate immunizations.

            • rituximab

              rituximab, varicella virus vaccine live. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following rituximab therapy has not been studied and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended.

            • rituximab-hyaluronidase

              rituximab-hyaluronidase, varicella virus vaccine live. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following rituximab therapy has not been studied and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended.

            • salicylates (non-asa)

              salicylates (non-asa), varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • salsalate

              salsalate, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • sarilumab

              sarilumab, varicella virus vaccine live. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid concurrent use of live virus vaccines, owing to potentially increased risk of infections. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.

            • satralizumab

              satralizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. ive vaccines are not recommended during treatment. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines. At least 4 weeks before initiating for live or live-attenuated vaccines.

            • siponimod

              siponimod decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Pause vaccinations beginning 1 week before initiating siponimod and for 4 weeks after stopping treatment. Coadministration with live attenuated vaccines may increase infection risk.

            • sirolimus

              sirolimus decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • sulfasalazine

              sulfasalazine, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            • tacrolimus

              tacrolimus decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • temsirolimus

              temsirolimus decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • teplizumab

              teplizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Administer all age-appropriate vaccinations before starting teplizumab. Live-attenuated vaccines are not recommended within 8 weeks before teplizumab treatment, during treatment, or up to 52 weeks after treatment.

            • tildrakizumab

              tildrakizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Before initiating tildrakizumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate immunizations according to current immunization guidelines. Avoid use of live vaccines in patients treated with tildrakizumab. No data are available on the response to live or inactive vaccines.

            • tisagenlecleucel

              tisagenlecleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks before starting lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CAR-T cell treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment. .

            • tocilizumab

              tocilizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • tralokinumab

              tralokinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live vaccines. Before starting tralokinumab, complete age appropriate immunizations.

            • triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension

              triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • upadacitinib

              upadacitinib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • ustekinumab

              ustekinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Prior initiating therapy, patients should receive all age-appropriate immunizations as recommended by current guidelines. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.

            • vedolizumab

              vedolizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live virus vaccines while receiving vedolizumab; live vaccines may be administered concurrently with vedolizumab only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

            • voclosporin

              voclosporin decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines. Avoid live vaccines for at least 3 months after immunosuppressants.

            • willow bark

              willow bark, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.

            Monitor Closely (15)

            • anthrax immune globulin

              anthrax immune globulin decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Immune globulin administration may impair the efficacy of live attenuated vaccines. Defer vaccination with live virus vaccines until ~3 months after administration of anthrax IG. Revaccinate people who received anthrax IG shortly after live virus vaccination following 3 months after the administration of anthrax IG.

            • belatacept

              belatacept decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: The use of live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with belatacept. Inform patients that vaccinations may be less effective while they are being treated with belatacept.

            • betibeglogene autotemcel

              betibeglogene autotemcel, varicella virus vaccine live. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Follow institutional guidelines for vaccine administration. Safety of live vaccines during or following treatment not studied. .

            • cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG)

              cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.

            • dengue vaccine

              dengue vaccine, varicella virus vaccine live. unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Data are not available to establish safety and immunogenicity of coadministration of dengue vaccine with recommended adolescent vaccines.

            • hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)

              hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.

            • immune globulin IM (IGIM)

              immune globulin IM (IGIM) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.

            • immune globulin IV (IGIV)

              immune globulin IV (IGIV) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.

            • immune globulin SC

              immune globulin SC decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • leniolisib

              leniolisib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Live, attenuated vaccinations may be less effective if administered during leniolisib treatment.

            • obinutuzumab

              obinutuzumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Immunization with live virus vaccines is not recommended during obinutuzumab treatment and until after B-cell recovery.

            • rabies immune globulin, human (RIG)

              rabies immune globulin, human (RIG) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.

            • tetanus immune globulin (TIG)

              tetanus immune globulin (TIG) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.

            • ublituximab

              ublituximab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks before initiating ublituximab for live or live-attenuated vaccines and, whenever possible, at least 2 weeks before initiating for non-live vaccines. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion. Do not administer live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants of mothers exposed to ublituximab during pregnancy, before confirming recovery of B-cell counts as measured by CD19+ B cells.

            • vaccinia immune globulin intravenous

              vaccinia immune globulin intravenous decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Defer live vaccines for 3 months after immune globulin administration.

            Minor (2)

            • chloroquine

              chloroquine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • Rho(D) immune globulin

              Rho(D) immune globulin decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Separate by 3 months.

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            Adverse Effects

            Suspected adverse events after administration of any vaccine may be reported to Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), 1-800-822-7967

            >10%

            Injection site swelling/rash/pruritus/erythema (20%)

            Fever >102°F [39°C] (15%)

            Postmarketing Reports

            Body as a whole: Anaphylaxis (including anaphylactic shock) and related phenomena such as angioneurotic edema, facial edema, and peripheral edema

            Eye disorders: Necrotizing retinitis (in immunocompromised individuals)

            Hemic and lymphatic system: Aplastic anemia; thrombocytopenia (including ITP)

            Infections and infestations: Varicella (vaccine strain)

            Nervous/psychiatric: Encephalitis; cerebrovascular accident; transverse myelitis; Guillain-Barré syndrome; Bell palsy; ataxia; nonfebrile seizures; aseptic meningitis; dizziness; paresthesia

            Respiratory: Pharyngitis; pneumonia/pneumonitis

            Skin: Stevens-Johnson syndrome; erythema multiforme; Henoch-SchÖnlein purpura; secondary bacterial infections of skin and soft tissue, including impetigo and cellulitis; herpes zoster

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            Warnings

            Contraindications

            Hypersensitivity to gelatin, neomycin, or any component of the vaccine

            Pregnancy

            HIV: CD4+ count <200 cells/mcL

            Immunosuppressed or immunodeficient patients with lymphomas, leukemia, or malignant neoplasms affecting bone marrow or lymphatic system

            Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy including immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids

            Primary and acquired immunodeficiency states

            Current febrile illness (>101.3°F)

            Active untreated tuberculosis

            Cautions

            Avoid contact with high risk individuals up to 5 wk after vaccination

            Thermolabile: store at temperature -20°C or colder

            Syncope accompanied by transient visual disturbances, weakness, or tonic-clonic movements reported with injectable vaccines

            Postpone administration in patients with moderate or severe illness with or without fever; may administer to patients with mild illness with or without fever

            Avoid pregnancy for 3 months following therapy

            Defer vaccination in individuals with a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency until individual's immune status evaluated and found to be immunocompetent

            Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommendations on use of varicella vaccine in HIV-infected individuals

            Immunoglobulins (IG) and other blood products should not be given concomitantly with this vaccine; the products may contain antibodies that interfere with vaccine virus replication and decrease expected immune response

            The ACIP has specific recommendations for intervals between administration of antibody-containing products and live virus vaccine

            Avoid use of salicylates (aspirin) or salicylate-containing products in children and adolescents 12 months through 17 years of age for six weeks following vaccination because of association of Reye syndrome with salicylate therapy and wild-type varicella infection

            Risk of vaccine virus transmission

            • Post-marketing experience suggests that transmission of varicella vaccine virus (Oka/Merck) resulting in varicella infection including disseminated disease may occur between vaccine recipients (who develop or do not develop a varicella-like rash) and contacts susceptible to varicella including healthy as well ashigh-risk individuals
            • Due to concern for transmission of vaccine virus, vaccine recipients should attempt to avoid whenever possible close association with susceptible high-risk individuals for up to six weeks following vaccination with this vaccine
            • Susceptible high-risk individuals include Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women without documented history of varicella or laboratory evidence of prior infection, newborn infants of mothers without documented history of varicella or laboratory evidence of prior infection and all newborn infants born at <28 weeks gestation regardless of maternal varicella immunity
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            Pregnancy & Lactation

            Pregnancy Category: X

            Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; use caution

            Pregnancy Categories

            A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

            B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

            C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

            D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

            X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

            NA: Information not available.

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            Pharmacology

            Mechanism of Action

            Live, attenuated varicella virus stimulates active immunity to disease caused by varicella-zoster virus

            Conveys active immunity via stimulation of production of endogenously produced antibodies

            Pharmacokinetics

            Onset: 4-6 weeks (seroconversion)

            Duration: Antibody titers detected at 10 years following vaccination

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            Administration

            SC or IM Preparation

            Use a sterile syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics, and detergents for each reconstitution and injection, because these substances may inactivate the vaccine virus

            When reconstituting, only use sterile diluent supplied as it does not contain preservatives or other antiviral substances which might inactivate the vaccine virus.

            Withdraw total volume of supplied sterile diluent and inject into lyophilized vaccine in vial; agitate to dissolve completely

            Discard if lyophilized vaccine cannot be dissolved

            Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration; discard if particulates observed or if it appears discolored (should appear a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid)

            To minimize loss of potency, administer immediately after reconstitution; discard if reconstituted vaccine not used within 30 minutes

            SC or IM Administration

            Withdraw entire amount of reconstituted vaccine from vial, inject total volume SC/IM and discard vial

            Storage

            Unopened frozen lyophilized product

            • During shipping
              • Maintain temperature between −58ºF and +5ºF (−50ºC and −15ºC)
              • Use of dry ice may subject vaccine to temperatures colder than −58ºF (−50ºC)
              • Protect from light
            • Before reconstitution
              • Freeze at temperature between −58ºF and +5ºF (−50ºC and −15ºC)
              • Any freezer (eg, chest, frost-free) that reliably maintains an average temperature between as defined above and has a separate sealed freezer door is acceptable for storing
              • Routine defrost cycling of a frost-free freezer is acceptable
              • May be refrigerated at 36-46ºF (2-8ºC) for up to 72 continuous hr before reconstitution; discard if not used within 72 hr of removal freezer
              • Protect from light

            Unopened refrigerator-stable lyophilized product

            • During shipping
              • Maintain temperature of 2-8ºC or colder (36-46ºF or colder), but do not exceed temperatures lower than -50ºC (-58ºF)
              • Use of dry ice may subject vaccine to temperatures colder than −58ºF (−50ºC)
              • Protect from light
            • Before reconstitution
              • Shelf-life of 24 months when refrigerated at 2-8ºC or colder (36-46ºF or colder)
              • May also be stored in a freezer; if subsequently transferred to refrigerator, DO NOT REFREEZE
              • Protect from light

            Diluent vial

            • Store separately at room temperature (20-25ºC [68-77ºF]), or refrigerate
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            Images

            No images available for this drug.
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            Patient Handout

            A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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            Formulary

            FormularyPatient Discounts

            Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

            To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

            Adding plans allows you to:

            • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
            • Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
            • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
            • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

            The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

            Tier Description
            1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
            2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
            3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
            4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
            5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
            6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
            NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
            Code Definition
            PA Prior Authorization
            Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
            QL Quantity Limits
            Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
            ST Step Therapy
            Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
            OR Other Restrictions
            Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
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            Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.