Shingrix (recombinant varicella-zoster virus) is a brand-name vaccine used to help prevent herpes zoster (shingles) infection in certain adults. Shingrix is not known to interact with other medications.

An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.

Keep reading to learn more about Shingrix’s interactions. This Shingrix overview article offers additional information about Shingrix, including its uses.

Shingrix is not known to interact with other medications. But this doesn’t mean new interactions won’t be discovered in the future.

Before you start Shingrix treatment, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions that may be discovered later. (To learn whether Shingrix interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the Shingrix and other interactions section.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Sometimes, certain factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Shingrix due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. Shingrix contraindications include:

Having had an allergic reaction to Shingrix or any of its ingredients

If you have had an allergic reaction to Shingrix or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not recommend Shingrix. Receiving the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other vaccines that may be better options for you.

Note:Before you start Shingrix treatment, it’s important to tell your doctor if this contraindication applies to you. They can determine whether to recommend Shingrix.

There are no known interactions between Shingrix and alcohol.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while getting Shingrix, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Read on to learn about other potential interactions that Shingrix may have, such as supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Shingrix.

Shingrix interactions with supplements

It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements, vitamins, and herbs.

Shingrix interactions with herbs

There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with Shingrix. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while getting Shingrix.

Shingrix interactions with vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Shingrix. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Shingrix.

Shingrix interactions with food

There were no reports of food interactions with Shingrix. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods while getting Shingrix, talk with your doctor.

Shingrix interactions with vaccines

There are no known interactions between Shingrix and other vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any other vaccines.

Shingrix interactions with lab tests

Shingrix is not known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

SHINGRIX INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Shingrix. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis with Shingrix. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Shingrix vaccine schedule.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Shingrix. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Shingrix may not be the right vaccine for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Shingrix include:

  • Allergic reaction to any vaccine: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Shingrix, any of its ingredients, or any previous vaccine, your doctor will likely not recommend Shingrix. Getting the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
  • Breastfeeding: It is unknown whether it’s safe to receive Shingrix while breastfeeding. There isn’t enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Shingrix may have on a child who is breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before getting Shingrix. They can talk with you about treatment options and ways to feed a child who is breastfed.
  • Pregnancy: There haven’t been enough clinical trials to determine whether Shingrix is safe to receive while pregnant. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before getting Shingrix. They can advise you on the right vaccine.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Shingrix and possible interactions.

Does Shingrix contain sulfa?

No, the Shingrix vaccine does not contain sulfa. It’s safe to get Shingrix if you have a sulfa allergy. “Sulfa” refers to sulfonamide, which is a type of antibiotic.

Some vaccines may contain certain antibiotics as ingredientsTrusted Source. An example is neomycin. Sometimes, manufacturers use certain antibiotics in the production process of some vaccines. However, manufacturers do not use sulfonamide antibiotics in these processes, so vaccines, such as Shingrix, do not contain sulfa.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about the ingredients found in the Shingrix vaccine.

Can I take valacyclovir after getting the Shingrix vaccine?

Yes, it’s safe to take valacyclovir (Valtrex) after getting the Shingrix vaccine. There’s no known interaction between receiving Shingrix and taking valacyclovir.

Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that treats varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections, including shingles. Since Shingrix is not a live vaccine, experts do not expect valacyclovir to affect how well Shingrix works. (A live vaccine contains live but weakened pieces of the virus or bacterium it’s meant to defend against.)

A previous shingles vaccine, Zostavax, was a live vaccine. But Zostavax is no longer available in the United States. Shingrix is now the recommended vaccine for shingles.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about taking medications after receiving your Shingrix vaccine.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Shingrix. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

  • Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
  • Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
  • Create a medication listTrusted Source, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Shingrix label and other paperworkTrusted Source that may come with the vaccine. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Shingrix doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your doctor to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.