Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
MENOMUNE® - A/C/Y/W-135 is a vaccine that is used to prevent meningococcal diseases and/or septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A, C, Y and W-135). This vaccine may be given to persons 2 to 55 years old.
This vaccine does not prevent disease caused by other meningococcal bacteria other than serogroups A, C, Y and W-135.
Meningococcal diseases are very serious. Approximately 10% of people who get a meningococcal disease will die. Death may occur within 24-48 hours after symptoms appear. Of those who survive the disease, some (11 to 19%) will be permanently disabled. There are three kinds of meningococcal disease: meningococcemia, meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal pneumonia. Meningococcemia is the most serious form of the disease where up to 40% of those affected die.
What it does:
Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 vaccine causes your body to make substances called antibodies which help your body to fight disease caused by meningococcal serogroups A, C, Y and W-135. If a vaccinated person comes into contact with one of these germs, the body is usually ready to destroy it.
The amount of time it takes for your body to develop enough antibodies to protect you from meningococcal diseases can vary. It can take several days to a few weeks after your vaccination.
When it should not be used:
Do not give Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 to:
- persons who are known to have a severe allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine or its container, or who have had a severe allergic reaction after receiving a vaccine that contained similar ingredients.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Each 0.5 mL dose of Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 contains: meningococcal A, C, Y and W-135 polysaccharides.
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:
The stopper for the single-dose vial and multi-dose vial contains dry natural rubber latex.
For a full listing of nonmedicinal ingredients see Part 1 of the product monograph.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 is supplied as a powder for solution which has to be reconstituted with the diluent. Once reconstituted, the clear colourless liquid vaccine is injected under the skin. A single dose is 0.5 mL.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
If you or your child has any of the following conditions, talk to your doctor or nurse BEFORE you or your child receives Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135:
A high fever or serious illness. Delay the
vaccination until the person is better.
- An allergy to any component of the vaccine or the container.
Pregnant or nursing women. It is important that
you understand the risks and benefits of vaccination. Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 should be given to a pregnant woman only if it is clearly needed. Tell the person giving you the injection if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
A weakened immune system. The vaccine may
provide you with a lower level of protection than it does for people with healthy immune systems. If possible, try to postpone the vaccination until after you have completed the treatment that affects your immune system.
A bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning
medications. Tell the person giving you the injection about your condition. The injection must be done carefully to prevent excessive bleeding.
If removal of the spleen (splenectomy) is planned, Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 should be given, if possible, 10 to 14 days before surgery.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
DO NOT mix Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 with other vaccines or medicinal products in the same syringe.
Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 may be given at the same time but at separate sites with:
- Yellow fever vaccine
- Typhoid Vaccine
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
For persons 2 years of age and over, a single dose (0.5 mL) is recommended.
The vaccination should be given subcutaneously.
Overdose:
In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed Dose:
Not applicable to this vaccine.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
A vaccine, like any medicine, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 causing serious harm is extremely small. The small risks associated with Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 are much less than the risks associated with getting the disease.
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well after having Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135.
Serious side effects are extremely rare.
Some people who receive Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 may have mild side effects such as redness or pain at the site of injection, headache or fever. These side effects usually go away within a few days.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Menomune® - A/C/Y/W-135 contact your doctor or pharmacist
HOW TO STORE IT
Store the vaccine in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (35° to 46°F). Do not freeze. Throw away the product if it has been exposed to freezing.
Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep out of reach of children.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
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MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found at: http://www.sanofipasteur.ca.
You may also contact the vaccine producer, Sanofi Pasteur Limited, for more information. Telephone: 1-888-621-1146 (no charge) or 416-667-2779 (Toronto area).
Business hours: (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday to Friday).
R10-0713 Canada
6496
To monitor vaccine safety, the Public Health Agency of Canada collects case reports on adverse events following immunization.
For Health Care Professionals:
If a patient experiences an adverse event following immunization, please complete the appropriate Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) Form and send it to your local Health Unit in your province/territory.
For the General Public:
Should your child experience an adverse event following immunization, please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to complete the Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) Form.
If you have any questions or have difficulties contacting your local health unit, please contact Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada:
By toll-free telephone: (1-866-844-0018) By toll-free fax: (1-866-844-5931) Email: caefi@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Web: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/vs-sv/index-eng.php
Mail:
The Public Health Agency of Canada Vaccine Safety Section
130 Colonnade Road
A/L 6502A
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of the side effect, please contact your health-care provider before notifying the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada does not provide medical advice