Bexsero

This vaccine is used to help prevent certain serious, sometimes fatal, bacterial infections (meningitis, meningococcemia). This infection may cause severe problems (hearing loss, brain/nerve problems, paralysis, blindness, seizures, loss of limbs) even with antibiotic treatment. This vaccine works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection. However, like any vaccine, it may not fully protect everyone who receives it.

The brand and dose of vaccine you receive depend on your age. Other vaccines may also be given at the same time, usually in a different site on the body.

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This vaccine is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. Adults and children usually receive the injection in the upper arm, and infants receive it in the upper thigh. Depending on your age, the vaccine is given one or more times. Ask your health care professional for your recommended vaccine schedule.

Since fever may commonly occur after vaccination (especially in infants and children), your health care professional may recommend a fever/pain relief medication (such as acetaminophen) for use if needed. Ask your health care professional for details.

Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, headache, fever, chills, drowsiness, tiredness, joint/muscle pain, nausea, loss of appetite, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that your health care professional has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your health care professional right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling, muscle weakness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of: current fever/illness, a certain nerve disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome), immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment).

This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional.

It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breast-feeding.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Different brands of this medication may have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone).

Not applicable.

It is important that you or your child receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to ask when each dose should be received, and make a note on a calendar to help you remember.

Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children. After your children are grown, give them a record to share with their health care professionals to help prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.