Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: In pediatric patients, use of varicella virus vaccine during salicylate or salicylate-containing therapy may pose a theoretical risk of Reye's syndrome based on known association of the syndrome with salicylates and natural varicella infection. Children and adolescents receiving the vaccine in U.S. clinical studies were instructed not to use salicylates for six weeks after vaccination. There were no reports of Reye's syndrome during these studies.

MANAGEMENT: Vaccine recipients less than 18 years of age should avoid the use of salicylates for six weeks after immunization with varicella virus vaccine.

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.