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: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations and systemic effects of orally administered budesonide. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. According to the manufacturer, the systemic exposure of oral budesonide approximately doubles after extensive intake of grapefruit juice.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving budesonide should avoid the regular consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent undue increases in plasma budesonide levels and systemic effects.