What medication contraindicates the use of live vaccines?

Live vaccines contain a weakened form of the pathogen they aim to protect against. Because these vaccines stimulate an immune response, the use of medications that suppress or alter the immune system can hinder this response, making the vaccine less effective or even causing the disease being vaccinated against to actually manifest.

Immunosuppressive agents, particularly corticosteroids, can significantly reduce the body's ability to mount an immune response. This reduction in immune function is why they're contraindicated with live vaccines. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, those with HIV, or those on high-dose corticosteroids face a higher risk of serious complications if administered a live vaccine, as their immune systems are not equipped to handle the live agent in the vaccine.

In contrast, antibiotics do not typically impact the body’s immune response to live vaccines since they target bacteria and do not directly suppress immune function. Antihistamines, commonly used for allergy relief, primarily block histamine receptors and do not affect the immune system in a way that would contraindicate live vaccines. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also do not suppress immune function to a degree that would render live vaccines ineffective. Therefore, while other medications may have various interactions or considerations in the realm of immunization, it is the immunosuppressive agents like corticosteroids