Intranasal Influenza Vaccine

What is this medication?

INTRANASAL INFLUENZA VACCINE (in truh NEY zuhl in floo EN zuh vak SEEN) is a vaccine to protect from an infection with influenza, also known as the flu. The vaccine only helps protect you against some strains of the flu. This vaccine does not help to reduce the risk of getting the pandemic H1N1 flu.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): FluMist

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

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

•asthma or wheezing

•Guillain-Barre syndrome or other neurological problems

•immune system problems

•other chronic health problems

•under 18 and taking aspirin

•an unusual or allergic reaction to intranasal influenza vaccine, eggs, gentamicin, gelatin, arginine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Use this vaccine in the nose. Do not take by mouth. It is given by a health care professional.

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

This medicine is not approved for use in patients over 49 years old.

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?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•anakinra

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

•medicines for organ transplant

•medicines to treat cancer

•medicines to treat the flu

•other medicines used in the nose

•other vaccines

•some medicines for arthritis

•steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

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?

Report any side effects to your doctor right away.

After receiving this vaccine, stay away from people who have severe immune system problems for 7 days. You may give them the flu.

Remember that this vaccine lowers your risk of getting the flu. You can get a milder flu infection if you are around others with the flu. The flu vaccine will not protect against colds or other illnesses. A yearly vaccination is recommended. Ask your health care professional about immunization for other family members.

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

•ear pain

•extreme irritability

•fever over 102 degrees F

•nose bleed

•muscle weakness

•unusual drooping or paralysis of face

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

•chills

•cough

•headache

•muscle aches and pains

•runny or stuffy nose

•sore throat

•stomach upset

•tiredness

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 drug is given in a hospital or clinic 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.