From the Guidelines
Yes, you can generally receive the measles vaccine while taking Otezla (apremilast). Otezla is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor used to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and it is not considered an immunosuppressant that would contraindicate live vaccines like the MMR. Unlike stronger immunosuppressive medications such as biologics or high-dose corticosteroids, Otezla works through a different mechanism that doesn't significantly compromise your immune system's ability to respond to vaccines.
Key Considerations
- The measles vaccine is recommended for adults born in 1957 or later who do not have evidence of immunity 1.
- There is no specific contraindication to receiving the measles vaccine while taking Otezla, but it's essential to discuss your individual situation with your healthcare provider.
- Your healthcare provider may consider factors such as the severity of your underlying condition, any other medications you're taking, and your overall immune status before administering the vaccine.
Important Factors to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider
- The severity of your underlying condition
- Any other medications you're taking
- Your overall immune status
- Potential interactions between Otezla and the measles vaccine It's crucial to inform both the prescribing physician who manages your Otezla treatment and the provider administering the vaccine about all medications you're currently taking to ensure there are no concerns specific to your individual health circumstances.
From the Research
Measles Vaccine and Otezla (Apremilast)
- The provided studies do not directly address the interaction between Otezla (apremilast) and the measles vaccine.
- However, study 2 discusses vaccination recommendations for adults receiving biologics and oral therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which may be relevant to patients taking Otezla.
- According to 2, for patients receiving live vaccines, discontinuation of most oral and biologic medications before and after administration of live vaccine is recommended.
- Since the measles vaccine is a live vaccine, it is possible that patients taking Otezla may need to discontinue the medication before and after receiving the vaccine.
- However, this is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, and further guidance from a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the best course of action.
General Information on Measles Vaccine
- Study 3 provides information on the prevention of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and mumps, including recommendations for vaccination.
- The study recommends 2 doses of MMR vaccine for children and adults at high risk for exposure and transmission.
- Study 4 examines the effectiveness of measles vaccination and immune globulin post-exposure prophylaxis in an outbreak setting, finding that MMR and IG PEP are effective in preventing measles.
Interaction between Immune Globulin and Measles Vaccine
- Study 5 investigates the interference of immune globulin with measles and rubella immunization, finding that passively acquired antibody may interfere with the active antibody response to live viral vaccines.
- Study 6 estimates the protective effectiveness of intramuscular immune serum globulin post-exposure prophylaxis during a measles outbreak, finding an estimated crude protective effectiveness of 69%.