Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE LIVE - NASAL

(in-flew-EN-zuh VYE-russ vack-SEEN)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flumist

Uses

This medication is a vaccine against influenza virus. It is recommended for healthy children and adolescents, 5-17 years of age. The manufacturer also recommended this vaccine for healthy adults, 18-49 years of age.

How To Use

If this vaccine is a 5 through 8-year-old child's first vaccination, a second dose is required. If a child in this age group has received this vaccine in previous years, only one dose is required. Patients age 9 years and older (including adults) should only receive one dose per year. This vaccine is stored in the freezer and must be thawed prior to being sprayed into the nose. To thaw the product hold the sprayer in the palm of the hand and support the plunger rod with the thumb. For an alternative way of thawing the product see Storage. With the patient standing upright and head tilted back, remove the rubber tip protector and insert the sprayer into the nostril. Depress the plunger. This will administer half of the dose into the first nostril. Next remove the divider clip from the sprayer and place the tip into the other nostril. Depress the plunger to administer the remaining half of the dose. Do not inject this medication into a vein, muscle or under the skin. This vaccination should be delayed at least 3 days after any current fever or other respiratory illness. Vaccination may be given to anyone wishing to reduce the chance of getting the flu. For optimal protection, the vaccine must be repeated each year since it may contain different influenza strains from previous years.

Side Effects

Cough, runny nose, sore throat, chills, tiredness, weakness, abdominal pain, ear infection, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of allergy to egg or egg products, immune deficiency (e.g., agammaglobulinemia, HIV infection, leukemia, lymphoma, other cancers, radiation). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: illness, infections, history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, asthma, lung (respiratory) disorders (e.g., reactive airway disease), chronic metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes), kidney disease, certain other blood disorders (e.g., hemoglobinopathies), any other allergies. After receiving the vaccine, you may shed influenza virus through the nose for up to 3 weeks. Tell laboratory personnel that you have used this medication. Nasal/oral specimens will test positive for influenza virus during this time. Also avoid close contact (e.g., same household) with people who are immunocompromised (e.g., HIV infection, cancer therapy) This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Contact your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: children or adolescents (5-17 years of age) taking aspirin. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting nasal influenza vaccine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other vaccines, other nasal products, steroids (e.g., prednisone), drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus), other anti-influenza drugs (e.g., rimantadine, amantadine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this vaccine with others.

Missed Dose

This is usually given as a one time dose. If a second dose is required and is missed, take the second dose as soon as you remember.

Storage

Store in a non-frost-free freezer at 5 degrees F (-15 degrees C). Avoid using a frost-free freezer, as the temperature at times may be higher than the appropriate 5 degrees F (-15 degrees C) needed for proper storage of this medication. This vaccine may be thawed and stored in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) for no more than 24 hours before use. Do not refreeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.