Side Effects for Fluarix Quadrivalent 2021-2022
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 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 |
0.8 |
37 |
1 |
31 |
0.5 |
| Redness |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
| Swelling |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
| Systemic |
| Muscle aches |
16 |
0.5 |
19 |
0.8 |
16 |
0.5 |
| Headache |
16 |
0.9 |
16 |
0.8 |
13 |
0.7 |
| Fatigue |
16 |
0.7 |
18 |
0.6 |
15 |
0.5 |
| Arthralgia |
8 |
0.5 |
10 |
0.7 |
9 |
0.3 |
| Gastrointestinal symptomsg |
7 |
0.4 |
7 |
0.2 |
6 |
0.3 |
| Shivering |
4 |
0.4 |
5 |
0.3 |
4 |
0.2 |
| Feverh |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
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 typeB virus of Victoria lineage).
e Contained the same 2 influenza A subtype viruses as FLUARIX manufactured for the 2010-2011 season and an influenza typeB 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 occurringwithin 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 occurringwithin 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 12months 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 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 |
0.4 |
18 |
0.5 |
| Redness |
13 |
0 |
14 |
0 |
| Swelling |
8 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
| Systemic |
n = 5,898 |
n = 5,896 |
| Irritability |
16 |
0.7 |
18 |
1 |
| Loss of appetite |
14 |
1 |
15 |
1 |
| Drowsiness |
13 |
0.7 |
14 |
0.9 |
| Feverf |
6 |
1 |
7 |
1 |
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 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 GlaxoSmithKlineBiologicals) (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 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 |
44 |
2 |
42 |
2 |
40 |
0.8 |
| Redness |
23 |
1 |
21 |
0.2 |
21 |
0.7 |
| Swelling |
19 |
0.8 |
17 |
1 |
15 |
0.2 |
|
Aged 3 through 5 Years |
| Systemic |
n = 291 |
n = 314 |
n = 279 |
| Drowsiness |
17 |
1 |
12 |
0.3 |
14 |
0.7 |
| Irritability |
17 |
0.7 |
13 |
0.3 |
14 |
0.7 |
| Loss of appetite |
16 |
0.3 |
8 |
0 |
10 |
0.7 |
| Feverh |
9 |
0.3 |
9 |
0.3 |
8 |
1 |
|
Aged 6 through 17 Years |
| Systemic |
n = 613 |
n = 588 |
n = 626 |
| Fatigue |
20 |
2 |
19 |
1 |
16 |
0.5 |
| Muscle aches |
18 |
0.7 |
16 |
1 |
16 |
0.5 |
| Headache |
16 |
1 |
19 |
0.7 |
15 |
0.6 |
| Arthralgia |
10 |
0.3 |
9 |
0.7 |
7 |
0.2 |
| Gastrointestinal symptomsi |
10 |
1 |
10 |
0.7 |
7 |
0.3 |
| Shivering |
6 |
0.5 |
4 |
0.5 |
5 |
0 |
| Feverh |
6 |
1 |
9 |
0.5 |
6 |
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 typeB 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 typeB virus of Victoria lineage).
e Contained the same 2 influenza A subtype viruses as FLUARIX manufactured for the 2010-2011 season and an influenza typeB 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 occurringwithin 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 occurringwithin 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 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 |
55 |
0.1 |
12 |
0 |
19 |
0 |
18 |
0 |
| Redness |
18 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
11 |
0.2 |
13 |
0.7 |
| Swelling |
9 |
0.1 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
9 |
0.7 |
| Systemic |
| Muscle aches |
23 |
0.4 |
12 |
0.5 |
7 |
0.3 |
7 |
0 |
| Fatigue |
20 |
0.4 |
18 |
1 |
9 |
0.3 |
10 |
0.7 |
| Headache |
19 |
0.1 |
21 |
1 |
8 |
0.3 |
8 |
0.3 |
| Arthralgia |
6 |
0.1 |
6 |
0.5 |
6 |
0.5 |
5 |
0.2 |
| Shivering |
3 |
0.1 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0.2 |
2 |
0 |
| Fevere |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
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 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 |
35 |
2 |
38 |
1 |
56 |
0.8 |
56 |
0.7 |
| Redness |
23 |
0.3 |
20 |
0 |
18 |
1 |
16 |
0.7 |
| Swelling |
14 |
0 |
13 |
0 |
14 |
2 |
13 |
0.7 |
| Systemic |
| Irritability |
21 |
0.9 |
22 |
0 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
| Loss of appetite |
13 |
0.9 |
15 |
0.9 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
| Drowsiness |
13 |
0.6 |
20 |
0.9 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
| Feverd |
7 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
4 |
0.3 |
3 |
0.2 |
| Muscle aches |
— |
— |
— |
— |
29 |
0.4 |
29 |
0.4 |
| Fatigue |
— |
— |
— |
— |
20 |
1 |
19 |
1 |
| Headache |
— |
— |
— |
— |
15 |
0.5 |
16 |
0.9 |
| Arthralgia |
— |
— |
— |
— |
6 |
0.1 |
6 |
0.2 |
| Shivering |
— |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
0.1 |
4 |
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%).
FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT Concomitant Administration With Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted (SHINGRIX)
In an open-label, randomized trial (NCT 01954251), adults aged 50 years and older (median 63 years, range 50 to 92 years) received FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT and SHINGRIX at Month 0 and SHINGRIX at Month 2 (n = 413), or FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT at Month 0 and SHINGRIX at Months 2 and 4 (n = 415). Information about solicited local and systemic adverse reactions was collected using diary cards for 7 days (day of vaccination and the next 6 days). The rates of the solicited, systemic adverse reactions of fatigue, headache, myalgia, shivering, and fever (≥37.5oC) reported in subjects receiving FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT and SHINGRIX concomitantly were similar to those observed with SHINGRIX alone, and higher than when FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT was given alone.
Postmarketing Experience
Beyond those events reported above in the clinical trials for FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT or FLUARIX, the following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval 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 the vaccine.
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 for Fluarix Quadrivalent 2021-2022
Concomitant Vaccine Administration
In an open-label trial (NCT 01954251), FLUARIX QUADRIVALENT was administered concomitantly with Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted (SHINGRIX) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Clinical Studies].
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.