SIDE EFFECTS
The safety experience with FLUARIX (trivalent influenza
vaccine) is relevant to FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT because both vaccines are
manufactured using the same process and have overlapping compositions [see DESCRIPTION].
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely
varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a
vaccine cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of
another vaccine, and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. There is
the possibility that broad use of FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT could reveal adverse
reactions not observed in clinical trials.
In adults who received FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT, the most
common (≥10%) solicited local adverse reaction was pain (36%). The most
common (≥10%) systemic adverse reactions were muscle aches (16%),
headache (16%), and fatigue (16%).
In children aged 6 through 35 months who received FLUARIX
QUADRIVALENT, the most common (≥10%) solicited local adverse reactions
were pain (17%) and redness (13%). The most common (≥10%) systemic
adverse reactions were irritability (16%), loss of appetite (14%), and
drowsiness (13%). In children aged 3 through 17 years who received FLUARIX
QUADRIVALENT, solicited local adverse reactions were pain (44%), redness (23%),
and swelling (19%). In children aged 3 through 5 years, the most common (≥10%)
systemic adverse reactions were drowsiness (17%), irritability (17%), and loss
of appetite (16%); in children aged 6 through 17 years, the most common
systemic adverse reactions were fatigue (20%), muscle aches (18%), headache
(16%), arthralgia (10%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (10%).
FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT In Adults
Trial 1 (NCT01204671) was a randomized, double-blind (2
arms) and open-label (one arm), active-controlled, safety, and immunogenicity
trial. In this trial, subjects received FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT (n = 3,036) or one
of 2 formulations of comparator trivalent influenza vaccine (FLUARIX; TIV-1, n
= 1,010; or TIV-2, n = 610), each containing an influenza type B virus that
corresponded to one of the 2 type B viruses in FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT (a type B
virus of the Victoria lineage or a type B virus of the Yamagata lineage). The
population was aged 18 years and older (mean age: 58 years) and 57% were
female; 69% were white, 27% were Asian, and 4% were of other racial/ethnic
groups. Solicited events were collected for 7 days (day of vaccination and the
next 6 days). The frequencies of solicited adverse reactions are shown in Table
2.
Table 2: FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited
Local Adverse Reactions and Systemic Adverse Reactions within 7 Daysa
of Vaccination in Adultsb (Total Vaccinated Cohort)
Adverse Reaction |
FLUARIX QUADRIVALENTc
n = 3,011-3,015 % |
Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV) |
TIV-1 (B Victoria)d
n = 1,003 % |
TIV-2 (B Yamagata)e
n = 607 % |
Any |
Grade 3f |
Any |
Grade 3f |
Any |
Grade 3f |
Local |
Pain |
36.4 |
0.8 |
36.8 |
1.2 |
31.3 |
0.5 |
Redness |
1.9 |
0 |
1.7 |
0 |
2.0 |
0 |
Swelling |
2.1 |
0 |
2.1 |
0 |
1.3 |
0 |
Systemic |
Muscle aches |
16.4 |
0.5 |
19.4 |
0.8 |
16.1 |
0.5 |
Headache |
15.9 |
0.9 |
16.4 |
0.8 |
13.2 |
0.7 |
Fatigue |
15.8 |
0.7 |
18.4 |
0.6 |
14.8 |
0.5 |
Arthralgia |
8.4 |
0.5 |
10.4 |
0.7 |
9.4 |
0.3 |
Gastrointestinal symptomsg |
6.5 |
0.4 |
6.5 |
0.2 |
5.9 |
0.3 |
Shivering |
4.2 |
0.4 |
5.0 |
0.3 |
4.3 |
0.2 |
Feverh |
1.6 |
0 |
1.2 |
0 |
1.5 |
0 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all
vaccinated subjects for whom safety data were available. n = Number of subjects
with diary card completed.
a Seven days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 6 days.
b Trial 1: NCT01204671.
c Contained the same composition as FLUARIX (trivalent formulation)
manufactured for the 2010-2011 season and an additional influenza type B virus
of Yamagata lineage.
d Contained the same composition as FLUARIX manufactured for the
2010-2011 season (2 influenza A subtype viruses and an influenza type B virus
of Victoria lineage).
e Contained the same 2 influenza A subtype viruses as FLUARIX
manufactured for the 2010-2011 season and an influenza type B virus of Yamagata
lineage.
f Grade 3 pain: Defined as significant pain at rest; prevented
normal everyday activities. Grade 3 redness, swelling: Defined as >100 mm.
Grade 3 muscle aches, headache, fatigue, arthralgia, gastrointestinal symptoms,
shivering: Defined as prevented normal activity. Grade 3 fever: Defined as
>102.2°F (39.0°C).
g Gastrointestinal symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or
abdominal pain.
h Fever: Defined as ≥99.5°F (37.5°C). |
Unsolicited events occurring within 21 days of
vaccination (Day 0 to 20) were reported in 13%, 14%, and 15% of subjects who
received FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT, TIV-1, or TIV-2, respectively. The unsolicited
adverse reactions that occurred most frequently (≥0.1% for FLUARIX
QUADRIVALENT) included dizziness, injection site hematoma, injection site
pruritus, and rash. Serious adverse events occurring within 21 days of
vaccination were reported in 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.2% of subjects who received
FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT, TIV-1, or TIV-2, respectively.
FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT In Children
Trial 7 (NCT01439360) was a randomized, observer-blind,
non-influenza vaccine-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of FLUARIX
QUADRIVALENT. In this trial, subjects aged 6 through 35 months received FLUARIX
QUADRIVALENT (n = 6,006) or a control vaccine (n = 6,012). The comparator was
pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine [Diphtheria CRM197 Protein] (Wyeth
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) in children younger than 12 months, HAVRIX (Hepatitis A
Vaccine) in children 12 months and older with a history of influenza
vaccination, or HAVRIX (Dose 1) and a varicella vaccine (U.S. Licensed
Manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc. or Non-U.S. Licensed Manufactured by
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) (Dose 2) in those with no history of influenza
vaccination. Subjects were aged 6 through 35 months, and one child aged 43
months (mean age: 22 months); 51% were male; 27% were white, 45% were Asian,
and 28% were of other racial/ethnic groups. Children aged 12 months and older
with no history of influenza vaccination and children younger than 12 months
received 2 doses of FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT or the control vaccine approximately
28 days apart. Children aged 12 months and older with a history of influenza
vaccination received one dose. Solicited local adverse reactions and systemic
adverse events were collected using diary cards for 7 days (day of vaccination
and the next 6 days). The incidences of solicited adverse reactions are shown
in Table 3.
Table 3: FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited
Local Adverse Reactions and Systemic Adverse Reactions within 7 Daysa
after First Vaccination in Children Aged 6 through 35 Monthsb (Total Vaccinated
Cohort)
Adverse Reaction |
FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT % |
Non-Influenza Active Comparatorc,d % |
Any |
Grade 3e |
Any |
Grade 3e |
Local |
n = 5,899 |
n = 5,896 |
Pain |
17.2 |
0.4 |
17.8 |
0.5 |
Redness |
13.1 |
0 |
14.1 |
0 |
Swelling |
7.9 |
0 |
8.8 |
0 |
Systemic |
n = 5,898 |
n = 5,896 |
Irritability |
16.2 |
0.7 |
17.5 |
1.1 |
Loss of appetite |
14.4 |
1.2 |
14.8 |
1.0 |
Drowsiness |
12.5 |
0.7 |
14.1 |
0.9 |
Feverf |
6.3 |
1.3 |
7.2 |
1.3 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all
vaccinated subjects for whom safety data were available. n = Number of subjects
with diary card completed. 7
a Seven days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 6 days.
b Trial 7: NCT01439360.
c Children younger than 12 months: pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate
vaccine [Diphtheria CRM197 Protein] (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).
d Children 12 months and older: HAVRIX (Hepatitis A Vaccine) for
those with a history of influenza vaccination; or HAVRIX (Dose 1) and a
varicella vaccine (U.S. Licensed Manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc. or
Non-U.S. Licensed Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) (Dose 2) for
those with no history of influenza vaccination.
e Grade 3 pain: Defined as cried when limb was moved/spontaneously
painful.
Grade 3 swelling, redness: Defined as >50 mm.
Grade 3 irritability: Defined as crying that could not be comforted/prevented
normal activity.
Grade 3 loss of appetite: Defined as not eating at all.
Grade 3 drowsiness: Defined as prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 fever: Defined as >102.2°F (39.0°C).
f Fever: Defined as ≥100.4°F (38.0°C). |
In children who received a second dose of FLUARIX
QUADRIVALENT or the Non-Influenza Active Comparator vaccine, the incidences of
solicited adverse reactions following the second dose were generally lower than
those observed after the first dose.
Unsolicited adverse events occurring within 28 days of
vaccination were reported in 44% and 45% of subjects who received FLUARIX
QUADRIVALENT (n = 6,006) and the comparator vaccine (n = 6,012), respectively.
Serious adverse events (SAEs) occurring during the study period (6 to 8 months)
were reported in 3.6% of subjects who received FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT and in 3.3%
of subjects who received the comparator vaccine.
Trial 2 (NCT01196988) was a randomized, double-blind,
active-controlled, safety, and immunogenicity trial. In this trial, subjects
received FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT (n = 915) or one of 2 formulations of comparator
trivalent influenza vaccine (FLUARIX; TIV-1, n = 912; or TIV-2, n = 911), each
containing an influenza type B virus that corresponded to one of the 2 type B
viruses in FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT (a type B virus of the Victoria lineage or a
type B virus of the Yamagata lineage). Subjects were aged 3 through 17 years
and 52% were male; 56% were white, 29% were Asian, 12% were black, and 3% were
of other racial/ethnic groups. Children aged 3 through 8 years with no history
of influenza vaccination received 2 doses approximately 28 days apart. Children
aged 3 through 8 years with a history of influenza vaccination and children
aged 9 years and older received one dose. Solicited local adverse reactions and
systemic adverse events were collected using diary cards for 7 days (day of
vaccination and the next 6 days). The frequencies of solicited adverse
reactions are shown in Table 4.
Table 4: FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited
Local Adverse Reactions and Systemic Adverse Reactions within 7 Daysa
after First Vaccination in Children Aged 3 through 17 Yearsb (Total
Vaccinated Cohort)
Adverse Reaction |
FLUARIX QUADRIVALENTc % |
Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV) |
TIV-1 (B Victoria)d % |
TIV-2 (B Yamagata)e % |
Any Grade 3f |
Any |
Grade 3f |
Any |
Grade 3f |
Aged 3 through 17 Years |
Local |
n = 903 |
n = 901 |
n = 905 |
Paing |
43.7 |
1.6 |
42.4 |
1.8 |
40.3 |
0.8 |
Redness |
23.0 |
1.0 |
21.3 |
0.2 |
20.9 |
0.7 |
Swelling |
18.5 |
0.8 |
17.2 |
1.1 |
14.9 |
0.2 |
|
Aged 3 through 5 Years |
Systemic |
n = 291 |
n = 314 |
n = 279 |
Drowsiness |
17.2 |
1.0 |
12.4 |
0.3 |
13.6 |
0.7 |
Irritability |
16.8 |
0.7 |
13.4 |
0.3 |
14.3 |
0.7 |
Loss of appetite |
15.5 |
0.3 |
8.0 |
0 |
10.4 |
0.7 |
Feverh |
8.9 |
0.3 |
8.9 |
0.3 |
8.2 |
1.1 |
|
Aged 6 through 17 Years |
Systemic |
n = 613 |
n = 588 |
n = 626 |
Fatigue |
19.7 |
1.5 |
18.5 |
1.4 |
15.5 |
0.5 |
Muscle aches |
17.5 |
0.7 |
16.0 |
1.4 |
15.8 |
0.5 |
Headache |
16.3 |
1.3 |
19.2 |
0.7 |
15.2 |
0.6 |
Arthralgia |
9.8 |
0.3 |
9.4 |
0.7 |
7.3 |
0.2 |
Gastrointestinal symptomsi |
9.8 |
1.0 |
9.5 |
0.7 |
7.2 |
0.3 |
Shivering |
6.4 |
0.5 |
4.4 |
0.5 |
5.0 |
0 |
Feverh |
6.0 |
1.1 |
8.5 |
0.5 |
6.1 |
0.3 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all
vaccinated subjects for whom safety data were available.
n = Number of subjects with diary card completed.
a Seven days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 6 days.
b Trial 2: NCT01196988.
c Contained the same composition as FLUARIX (trivalent formulation)
manufactured for the 2010-2011 season and an additional influenza type B virus
of Yamagata lineage.
d Contained the same composition as FLUARIX manufactured for the
2010-2011 season (2 influenza A subtype viruses and an influenza type B virus
of Victoria lineage).
e Contained the same 2 influenza A subtype viruses as FLUARIX
manufactured for the 2010-2011 season and an influenza type B virus of Yamagata
lineage.
f Grade 3 pain: Defined as cried when limb was moved/spontaneously
painful (children <6 years), or significant pain at rest, prevented normal
everyday activities (children ≥6 years).
Grade 3 redness, swelling: Defined as >50 mm.
Grade 3 drowsiness: Defined as prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 irritability: Defined as crying that could not be comforted/prevented
normal activity.
Grade 3 loss of appetite: Defined as not eating at all.
Grade 3 fever: Defined as >102.2°F (39.0°C).
Grade 3 fatigue, muscle aches, headache, arthralgia, gastrointestinal symptoms,
shivering: Defined as prevented normal activity.
g Percentage of subjects with any pain by age subgroup: 39%, 38%,
and 37% for FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT, TIV-1, and TIV-2, respectively, in children
aged 3 through 8 years and 52%, 50%, and 46% for FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT, TIV-1,
and TIV-2, respectively, in children aged 9 through 17 years.
h Fever: Defined as ≥99.5°F (37.5°C).
i Gastrointestinal symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
and/or abdominal pain. |
In children who received a second dose of FLUARIX
QUADRIVALENT, TIV-1, or TIV-2, the incidences of adverse reactions following
the second dose were generally lower than those observed after the first dose.
Unsolicited adverse events occurring within 28 days of
any vaccination were reported in 31%, 33%, and 34% of subjects who received
FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT, TIV-1, or TIV-2, respectively. The unsolicited adverse
reactions that occurred most frequently (≥0.1% for FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT)
included injection site pruritus and rash. Serious adverse events occurring
within 28 days of any vaccination were reported in 0.1%, 0.1%, and 0.1% of
subjects who received FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT, TIV-1, or TIV-2, respectively.
FLUARIX (Trivalent Formulation)
FLUARIX has been administered to 10,317 adults aged 18
through 64 years, 606 subjects aged 65 years and older, and 2,115 children aged
6 months through 17 years in clinical trials. The incidence of solicited
adverse reactions in each age-group is shown in Tables 5 and 6.
Table 5: FLUARIX (Trivalent Formulation): Incidence of
Solicited Local Adverse Reactions and Systemic Adverse Reactions within 4 Daysa
of Vaccination in Adults (Total Vaccinated Cohort)
Adverse Reaction |
Trial 3b |
Trial 4c |
Aged 18 through 64 Years |
Aged 65 Years and Older |
FLUARIX
n =760 % |
Placebo
n= 192 % |
FLUARIX
n =601-602 % |
Comparator
n = 596 % |
Any |
Grade 3d |
Any |
Grade 3d |
Any |
Grade 3d |
Any |
Grade 3d |
Local |
Pain |
54.7 |
0.1 |
12.0 |
0 |
19.1 |
0 |
17.6 |
0 |
Redness |
17.5 |
0 |
10.4 |
0 |
10.6 |
0.2 |
13.1 |
0.7 |
Swelling |
9.3 |
0.1 |
5.7 |
0 |
6.0 |
0 |
8.9 |
0.7 |
Systemic |
Muscle aches |
23.0 |
0.4 |
12.0 |
0.5 |
7.0 |
0.3 |
6.5 |
0 |
Fatigue |
19.7 |
0.4 |
17.7 |
1.0 |
9.0 |
0.3 |
9.6 |
0.7 |
Headache |
19.3 |
0.1 |
21.4 |
1.0 |
7.5 |
0.3 |
7.9 |
0.3 |
Arthralgia |
6.4 |
0.1 |
6.3 |
0.5 |
5.5 |
0.5 |
5.0 |
0.2 |
Shivering |
3.3 |
0.1 |
2.6 |
0 |
1.7 |
0.2 |
2.2 |
0 |
Fevere |
1.7 |
0 |
1.6 |
0 |
1.7 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all vaccinated
subjects for whom safety data were available.
n = Number of subjects with diary card completed.
a Four days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 3 days.
b Trial 3 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
safety, and immunogenicity trial (NCT00100399).
c Trial 4 was a randomized, single-blind, active-controlled, safety,
and immunogenicity trial (NCT00197288). The active control was FLUZONE, a
U.S.-licensed trivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur Inc.).
d Grade 3 pain, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, arthralgia,
shivering: Defined as prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 redness, swelling: Defined as >50 mm.
Grade 3 fever: Defined as >102.2°F (39.0°C).
e Fever: Defined as ≥100.4°F (38.0°C) in Trial
3, and ≥99.5°F (37.5°C) in Trial 4. |
Table 6: FLUARIX (Trivalent Formulation): Incidence of
Solicited Local Adverse Reactions and Systemic Adverse Reactions within 4 Daysa
of First Vaccination in Children Aged 3 through 17 Yearsb (Total
Vaccinated Cohort)
Adverse Reaction |
Aged 3 through 4 Years |
Aged 5 through 17 Years |
FLUARIX
n = 350 % |
Comparator
n = 341 % |
FLUARIX
n = 1,348 % |
Comparator
n = 451 % |
Any |
Grade 3c |
Any |
Grade 3c |
Any Grade 3c |
Any |
Grade 3c |
Local |
Pain |
34.9 |
1.7 |
38.4 |
1.2 |
56.2 |
0.8 |
56.1 |
0.7 |
Redness |
22.6 |
0.3 |
19.9 |
0 |
17.7 |
1.0 |
16.4 |
0.7 |
Swelling |
13.7 |
0 |
13.2 |
0 |
13.9 |
1.5 |
13.3 |
0.7 |
Systemic |
Irritability |
20.9 |
0.9 |
22.0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Loss of appetite |
13.4 |
0.9 |
15.0 |
0.9 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Drowsiness |
13.1 |
0.6 |
19.6 |
0.9 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Feverd |
6.6 |
1.4 |
7.6 |
1.5 |
4.2 |
0.3 |
3.3 |
0.2 |
Muscle aches |
- |
- |
- |
- |
28.8 |
0.4 |
28.8 |
0.4 |
Fatigue |
- |
- |
- |
- |
19.9 |
1.0 |
18.8 |
1.1 |
Headache |
- |
- |
- |
- |
15.1 |
0.5 |
16.4 |
0.9 |
Arthralgia |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5.6 |
0.1 |
6.2 |
0.2 |
Shivering |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3.1 |
0.1 |
3.5 |
0.2 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all
vaccinated subjects for whom safety data were available.
n = Number of subjects with diary card completed.
a Four days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 3 days.
b Trial 6 was a single-blind, active-controlled, safety, and
immunogenicity U.S. trial (NCT00383123). The active control was FLUZONE, a
U.S.-licensed trivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur Inc.).
c Grade 3 pain, irritability, loss of appetite, drowsiness, muscle
aches, fatigue, headache, arthralgia, shivering: Defined as prevented normal
activity.
Grade 3 swelling, redness: Defined as >50 mm.
Grade 3 fever: Defined as >102.2°F (39.0°C).
d Fever: Defined as ≥99.5°F (37.5°C). |
In children who received a second dose of FLUARIX or the
comparator vaccine, the incidences of adverse reactions following the second
dose were similar to those observed after the first dose.
Serious Adverse Reactions
In the 4 clinical trials in adults (N = 10,923), there
was a single case of anaphylaxis within one day following administration of
FLUARIX (<0.01%).
Postmarketing Experience
Beyond those events reported above in the clinical trials
for FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT or FLUARIX, the following adverse reactions have been
identified during postapproval use of FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT or FLUARIX
(trivalent influenza vaccine). Because these reactions are reported voluntarily
from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably
estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Blood And Lymphatic System Disorders
Lymphadenopathy.
Cardiac Disorders
Tachycardia.
Ear And Labyrinth Disorders
Vertigo.
Eye Disorders
Conjunctivitis, eye irritation, eye pain, eye redness,
eye swelling, eyelid swelling.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Abdominal pain or discomfort, swelling of the mouth,
throat, and/or tongue.
General Disorders And Administration Site Conditions
Asthenia, chest pain, influenza-like illness, feeling
hot, injection site mass, injection site reaction, injection site warmth, body
aches.
Immune System Disorders
Anaphylactic reaction including shock, anaphylactoid
reaction, hypersensitivity, serum sickness.
Infections And Infestations
Injection site abscess, injection site cellulitis, pharyngitis,
rhinitis, tonsillitis.
Nervous System Disorders
Convulsion, encephalomyelitis, facial palsy, facial
paresis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hypoesthesia, myelitis, neuritis, neuropathy,
paresthesia, syncope.
Respiratory, Thoracic, And Mediastinal Disorders
Asthma, bronchospasm, dyspnea, respiratory distress,
stridor.
Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Angioedema, erythema, erythema multiforme, facial
swelling, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, sweating, urticaria.
Vascular Disorders
Henoch-Schonlein purpura, vasculitis.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Concomitant Vaccine Administration
FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT should not be mixed with any other
vaccine in the same syringe or vial.
There are insufficient data to assess the concurrent
administration of FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT with other vaccines. When concomitant
administration of other vaccines is required, the vaccines should be
administered at different injection sites.
Immunosuppressive Therapies
Immunosuppressive therapies, including irradiation,
antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs, and corticosteroids (used
in greater-than-physiologic doses), may reduce the immune response to FLUARIX
QUADRIVALENT.