Shingrix

Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated) is given as an injection of 0.5 mL into the muscle of the upper arm. Shingrixation consists of 2 doses. After the first injection a second dose is given 2 to 6 months later.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are receiving the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive this Shingrixe, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated) should be protected from light and stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C, until it is mixed to be used for injection. Do not freeze Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated). After mixing, the Shingrixe must be given immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause unusual tiredness; it may cause a fever; it may cause muscle pain; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it may cause redness and swelling at the injection site. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

After reconstitution with the supplied diluent, each 0.5 mL single dose of opalescent, colourless-to-pale-brownish liquid, contains 50 µg of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) glycoprotein E (gE). Nonmedicinal ingredients: dipotassium phosphate, polysorbate 80, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose; adjuvant diluent: Quillaja saponaria Molina, fraction 21 (QS-21), 3–O–desacyl–4'-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), cholesterol, dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine, disodium phosphate anhydrous, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, and water for injection.

Do not take Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated) if you are allergic to zoster Shingrixe or any ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between herpes zoster Shingrixe and any of the following:

• Acetaminophen
• Azathioprine
• cancer medications (e.g., Carboplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Ifosfamide, Venetoclax, Vincristine)
• corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, fluticasone, Prednisone)
• Cyclosporine
• Fingolimod
• Hydroxyurea
• monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Adalimumab, Belimumab, Daclizumab, Golimumab, Infliximab, Rituximab)
• mycophenolate
• siponimod
• Tacrolimus

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated).

Bleeding problems: If you have a medical condition that causes you to bruise or bleed easily, or you are taking medications to prevent Blood Clots, let your doctor know. Some people who have bleeding problems may bruise or bleed after an intramuscular injection.

Illness with fever: If you have an illness with a fever, talk to your doctor about whether you should receive the Shingrixe.

Pregnancy: No studies have been done to determine the effect of Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated) on the developing baby or mother if it is given during pregnancy. This Shingrixe should not be used during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if zoster Shingrixe passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Shingrix (Shingles-Shingrixe-inactivated) is not recommended for children.

This product is usually injected into a muscle (intramuscularly) by a health professional. The injection may be sore for a few days.