Micromedex Detailed Drug Information for the Consumer [Internet]. Truven Health Analytics; 1974-2016.

Influenza Virus Vaccine Recombinant (Intramuscular route)

in-floo-EN-za VYE-rus VAX-een ree-KOM-bi-nant

Brand Name(s)

In the US: Flublok, Flublok 2015-2016 Formula

Dosage forms

Solution

Classifications

Therapeutic: Vaccine

Uses of This Medicine

Influenza virus vaccine, recombinant is used to prevent infection caused by the influenza viruses in adults 18 years of age and older. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. It is also known as a “flu shot”.

It is necessary to receive an influenza vaccine injection each year, since influenza infections are usually caused by different kinds of viruses and the protection gained by the vaccine lasts less than a year. The best way to help prevent influenza infections is to get an influenza vaccination each year, usually in early November.

This vaccine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category Explanation All Trimesters B Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this vaccine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Warfarin

Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Carbamazepine

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this vaccine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS, a severe nerve and muscle problem), history of—Use with caution. May cause the symptoms of this condition to return. Immune system problems from a disease or medicine—May not work as well in patients with this condition.

Proper Use of This Medicine

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this vaccine. This vaccine is given as a shot into one of your muscles, usually in the shoulder area.

You need to get the flu vaccine every year to protect you from the flu.

This medicine comes with a patient information sheet. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Be sure to notify your doctor of any side effects that occur after you receive this vaccine.

This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or troubled breathing after you get the injection.

Influenza virus vaccine may not protect everyone who receives the vaccine. Also, this vaccine will not treat flu symptoms if you already have the virus.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a medicine or treatment that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid, radiation, or cancer treatment. This vaccine may not work as well if you are also using these medicines. Your doctor may still want you to get the vaccine because it can give you some protection.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Cough difficulty with swallowing dizziness fast heartbeat hives, itching, or skin rash puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue tightness in the chest unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Difficulty with moving headache joint pain muscle aching or cramping muscle pains or stiffness nausea pain at the injection site swollen joints

Less common

Chills redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.