Menactra

Generic name: meningococcal vaccine (intramuscular route, subcutaneous route)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Bexsero
• Menactra
• Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135
• MenQuadfi
• Menveo
• Trumenba

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension
• Kit
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine

Uses for Menactra

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

Menomune® is active against groups A, C, Y and W-135 meningococcal bacteria only.

Bexsero® and Trumenba® is active against group B meningococcal bacteria only. .

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 also may die. These diseases are more likely to occur in young children and 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.

Menomune® is recommended for use in patients 2 years of age and older.

Bexsero® and Trumenba® is recommended for use in patients 10 to 25 years of age. .

This vaccine is to be given 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 Menomune® in children younger than 2 years of age. However, in some cases children as young as 3 months of age may be vaccinated.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Bexsero® and Trumenba® in children younger than 10 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of meningococcal vaccine in adults older than 65 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk t.