Menactra (Intramuscular)

Generic name:meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine, diphtheria conjugate (intramuscular route) [ me-NINJ-oh-kok-kal-pol-ee-SAK-a-ride-VAX-een, dif-THEER-ee-a-KON-joo-gate ]
Drug class:Bacterial vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 14, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Menactra

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine

Uses for Menactra

Meningococcal polysaccharide diphtheria conjugate vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection by certain groups of meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the bacteria.

The following information applies only to the meningococcal vaccine used for meningococcal bacteria Groups A, C, Y, and W-135. These groups cause nearly all of the meningococcal meningitis cases in the U.S. The vaccine will not protect against infection caused by other meningococcal bacteria groups, such as Group B.

Meningococcal infection can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as meningococcal meningitis, which affects the brain, and meningococcemia, which affects the blood. Some persons with meningococcal meningitis and/or meningococcemia may die. The rate of these diseases peak in adolescence and early adulthood and are more likely to occur in persons with certain diseases or conditions that make them more susceptible to a meningococcal infection or more likely to develop serious problems from a meningococcal infection.

Immunization against meningococcal disease is recommended for persons who are at risk of getting the disease because:

• They have certain diseases or conditions that make them more susceptible to a meningococcal infection or more likely to develop serious problems from a meningococcal infection.
• They are living in, working in, or visiting an area where there is a strong possibility of contracting meningococcal disease.

Menveo® is recommended for use in children 2 months of age and older and adults younger than 55 years of age. Menactra® is recommended for use in children 9 months of age and older and adults younger than 55 years of age.

This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Before using Menactra

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:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Menveo® in children younger than 2 months of age, and Menactra® in children younger than 9 months of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established in ...