Drug Interaction Report

Melphalan and Measles Virus Vaccine, Live: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Melphalan and Measles Virus Vaccine, Live interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Melphalan

Alkeran Alkeran® Tablets Evomela Hepzato Ivra
+

Measles Virus Vaccine, Live

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Contraindicated
These should generally not be used together.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 156 documented Melphalan interactions, 9 are rated contraindicated — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
established
Severity
Contraindicated

What happens

An increased risk of infection by the live vaccine

Interaction Deep Dive

Do not administer measles virus vaccine to individuals with severe humoral or cellular (primary or acquired) immunodeficiency due to the risk of disseminated vaccine virus infection3. Per CDC guidance, measles virus vaccine is contraindicated in patients with hematologic and solid tumors, receiving chemotherapy, who have congenital immunodeficiency, or are receiving long-term immunosuppressive therapy 2. Patients with leukemia, lymphoma, or other malignancies whose disease is in remission, who have restored immunocompetence, and whose chemotherapy has been discontinued for at least 3 months can receive a live vaccine 1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Decreased immune response allows live vaccine to produce infection

Common questions

Can I take Melphalan and Measles Virus Vaccine, Live together?

An increased risk of infection by the live vaccine Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Melphalan and Measles Virus Vaccine, Live interaction?

It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "established". Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Melphalan or Measles Virus Vaccine, Live need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (3)

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Vaccines & Immunizations: altered immunocompetence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Atlanta, GA. 2024.
  2. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD): Vaccines & immunizations: contraindications and precautions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Atlanta, GA. 2024.
  3. Product Information: PRIORIX subcutaneous suspension, measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, live subcutaneous suspension. GlaxoSmithKline (per manufacturer), Research Triangle Park, NC, 2022. DailyMed
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Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Melphalan + Activated Charcoal Acerola Alpha-lipoic Acid Coenzyme Q10 Coffee Charcoal European Mandrake Glucomannan Guar Gum + 17 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.