Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: The administration of Lyme disease vaccine to immunosuppressed patients may be associated with a diminished or suboptimal immunologic response due to antibody inhibition. Such patients may include those who have recently received or are receiving immunosuppressive agents, antilymphocyte globulins, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, radiation, some antirheumatic agents, high dosages of corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic agents (greater than 10 mg/day to 1 mg/kg/day, whichever is less, of prednisone or equivalent for more than 2 weeks), or long-term topical or inhaled corticosteroids.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer suggests considering deferral of vaccination against Lyme disease until 3 months after discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy. Vaccines may generally be administered to patients receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy (e.g., for Addison's disease).

GENERALLY AVOID: Case histories have suggested that levamisole is associated with some side effects (including headache, fever, shivers, and dizziness) that suggest an disulfiram-like interaction with alcohol. These side effects could be alleviated by total abstinence from alcohol. No mechanism has been established for this interaction.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving levamisole should avoid alcohol.