Japanese Encephalitis Virus Vaccine (Ixiaro)

What is this medication?

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS VACCINE (jap uh NEEZ en sef uh LAHY tis VAHY ruhs vak SEEN) is a vaccine. It is used to help prevent Japanese encephalitis infections. You cannot get the disease from the vaccine.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ixiaro

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• hemophilia
• immune system problems
• low blood counts like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots
• an unusual or allergic reaction to Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, other medicines, protamine sulfate, sulfites, albumin, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional. Two doses are given. The second dose is given 28 days after the first dose.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up (booster) doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

• medicines that suppress your immune system like medicines for cancer
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This vaccine may not fully protect everyone. This vaccine does not prevent all types of encephalitis. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• dizziness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• fever
• headache
• irritation or pain at site where injected
• muscle pain or weakness
• nausea
• unusually weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This vaccine is only given in a clinic, pharmacy, doctor's office, or other health care setting and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.