SIDE EFFECTS
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 FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT could reveal adverse reactions not
observed in clinical trials.
In adults who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, the most common (≥10%) solicited
local adverse reaction was pain (60%); the most common (≥10%) solicited systemic adverse
events were muscle aches (26%), headache (22%), fatigue (22%), and arthralgia (15%).
In children aged 6 through 35 months who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, the most
common (≥10%) solicited local adverse reaction was pain (40%); the most common (≥10%)
solicited systemic adverse events were irritability (49%), drowsiness (37%), and loss of appetite
(29%).
In children aged 3 through 17 years who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, the most
common (≥10%) solicited local adverse reaction was pain (65%). In children aged 3 through
4 years, the most common (≥10%) solicited systemic adverse events were irritability (26%),
drowsiness (21%), and loss of appetite (17%). In children aged 5 through 17 years, the most
common (≥10%) systemic adverse events were muscle aches (29%), fatigue (22%), headache
(22%), arthralgia (13%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (10%).
FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT has been administered in 8 clinical trials to 1,384 adults aged
18 years and older, 1,965 children aged 6 through 35 months, and 3,516 children aged 3 through
17 years.
Flulaval Quadrivalent In Adults
Trial 1 (NCT01196975) was a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, safety and
immunogenicity trial. In this trial, subjects received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT
(n = 1,272), or one of 2 formulations of a comparator trivalent influenza vaccine (FLULAVAL,
TIV-1, n = 213 or TIV-2, n = 218), each containing an influenza type B virus that corresponded
to one of the 2 B viruses in FLULAVAL 95 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: 50 years) and 61% were female; 61% of subjects were white, 3% were black, 1%
were Asian, and 35% were of other racial/ethnic groups. Solicited adverse events were collected
for 7 days (day of vaccination and the next 6 days). The incidence of local adverse reactions and
systemic adverse events occurring within 7 days of vaccination in adults are shown in Table 2.
Table 2. FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited Local Adverse Reactions
and Systemic Adverse Events within 7 Daysa of Vaccination in Adults Aged 18 Years and
Olderb (Total Vaccinated Cohort)
Adverse Reaction/
Adverse Event |
FLULAVAL
QUADRIVALENTc
n = 1,260
% |
Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV) |
TIV-1
(B Victoria)d
n = 208
% |
TIV-2
(B Yamagata)e
n = 216
% |
Any |
Grade 3f |
Any |
Grade 3f |
Any |
Grade 3f |
Local Adverse Reactions |
Pain |
59.5 |
1.7 |
44.7 |
1.0 |
41.2 |
1.4 |
Swelling |
2.5 |
0.0 |
1.4 |
0.0 |
3.7 |
0.0 |
Redness |
1.7 |
0.0 |
2.9 |
0.0 |
1.4 |
0.0 |
Systemic Adverse Events |
Muscle aches |
26.3 |
0.8 |
25.0 |
0.5 |
18.5 |
1.4 |
Headache |
21.5 |
0.9 |
19.7 |
0.5 |
22.7 |
0.0 |
Fatigue |
21.5 |
0.8 |
21.6 |
1.0 |
17.1 |
1.9 |
Arthralgia |
14.8 |
0.8 |
16.7 |
1.0 |
14.6 |
2.9 |
Gastrointestinal symptomsg |
9.3 |
0.8 |
10.1 |
1.9 |
6.9 |
0.5 |
Shivering |
8.8 |
0.6 |
7.7 |
0.5 |
6.0 |
0.9 |
Feverh |
1.3 |
0.4 |
0.5 |
0.0 |
1.4 |
0.5 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all vaccinated subjects for whom safety data were available. n = number of subjects with diary card completed.
a 7 days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 6 days.
b Trial 1: NCT01196975.
c Contained 2 A strains and 2 B strains, one of Victoria lineage and one of Yamagata lineage.
d Contained the same 2 A strains as FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT and a B strain of Victoria lineage.
e Contained the same 2 A strains as FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT and a B strain of Yamagata lineage.
f Grade 3 pain: Defined as significant pain at rest; prevented normal everyday activities.
Grade 3 swelling, redness: Defined as >100 mm.
Grade 3 muscle aches, headache, fatigue, arthralgia, gastrointestinal symptoms, shivering: Defined as prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 (or higher) fever: Defined as ≥102.2°F (39.0°C).
g Gastrointestinal symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain.
h Fever: Defined as ≥100.4°F (38.0°C) |
Unsolicited adverse events occurring within 21 days of vaccination were reported in 19%, 23%,
and 23% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 1,272), TIV-1
(B Victoria) (n = 213), or TIV-2 (B Yamagata) (n = 218), respectively. The unsolicited adverse
events that occurred most frequently (≥1% for FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT) included
nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, cough, and oropharyngeal pain.
Serious adverse events occurring within 21 days of vaccination were reported in 0.4%, 0%, and
0% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, TIV-1 (B Victoria), or TIV-2
(B Yamagata), respectively.
FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT In Children
Trial 4 (NCT02242643) was a randomized, observer-blind, active-controlled immunogenicity
and safety trial. The trial included subjects aged 6 through 35 months who received FLULAVAL
QUADRIVALENT (n = 1,207) or FLUZONE.QUADRIVALENT, a U.S.-licensed inactivated
influenza vaccine (n = 1,217) used as comparator, manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc. Children
with no history of influenza vaccination received 2 doses of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or
the comparator vaccine approximately 28 days apart. Children with a history of influenza
vaccination received one dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or the comparator vaccine. In
the overall population, 53% were male; 64% were white, 16% were black, 3% were Asian, and
17% were of other racial/ethnic groups. The mean age of subjects was 20 months. Subjects were
followed for safety for 6 months; solicited local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events
were collected for 7 days (day of vaccination and the next 6 days) postvaccination. The incidence
of local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events occurring within 7 days of vaccination in
children are shown in Table 3.
Table 3. FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited Local Adverse Reactions
and Systemic Adverse Events within 7 Daysa of First Vaccination in Children Aged 6
through 35 Monthsb (Total Vaccinated Cohort)
Adverse Reaction/
Adverse Event |
FLULAVAL
QUADRIVALENT
% |
Active Comparatorc
% |
Any |
Grade 3d |
Any |
Grade 3d |
Local Adverse Reactions |
n = 1,151 |
n = 1,146 |
Pain |
40.3 |
2.4 |
37.4 |
1.4 |
Swelling |
1.0 |
0.0 |
0.4 |
0.0 |
Redness |
1.3 |
0.0 |
1.3 |
0.0 |
Systemic Adverse Events |
n = 1,155 |
n = 1,148 |
Irritability |
49.4 |
3.8 |
45.9 |
3.0 |
Drowsiness |
36.7 |
2.7 |
36.9 |
2.6 |
Loss of appetite |
28.9 |
1.6 |
28.6 |
1.3 |
Fevere |
5.6 |
1.4 |
5.8 |
1.0 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all vaccinated subjects for whom safety data were available (i.e., diary card completed for solicited symptoms). n = number of subjects with diary card completed.
a 7 days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 6 days.
b Trial 4: NCT02242643.
c U.S.-licensed quadrivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine (manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc).
d Grade 3 pain: Defined as cried when limb was moved/spontaneously painful.
Grade 3 swelling, redness: Defined as >100 mm.
Grade 3 irritability: Defined as crying that could not be comforted/prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 drowsiness: Defined as prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 loss of appetite: Defined as not eating at all.
Grade 3 (or higher) fever: Defined as >102.2°F (39.0°C).
e Fever: Defined as ≥100.4°F (38.0°C). |
In children who received a second dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or the comparator
vaccine, the incidences of solicited adverse events following the second dose were generally
similar or lower than those observed after the first dose.
Unsolicited adverse events occurring within 28 days of vaccination were reported in 46% and
44% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 1,207) and the comparator
vaccine (n = 1,217), respectively. The unsolicited adverse reactions that occurred most
frequently (≥1%) for FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT included upper respiratory tract infection,
cough, diarrhea, pyrexia, vomiting, and rash. Serious adverse events occurring during the study
period (approximately 6 months) were reported in 2% of subjects who received FLULAVAL
QUADRIVALENT and in 2% of subjects who received the comparator vaccine. There were no
deaths reported during the study period.
Trial 2 (NCT01198756) was a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial. In this trial,
subjects received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 932) or one of 2 formulations of a
comparator trivalent influenza vaccine [FLUARIX (Influenza Vaccine), TIV-1 (B Victoria),
n = 929 or TIV-2 (B Yamagata), n = 932], each containing an influenza type B virus that
corresponded to one of the 2 B viruses in FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (a type B virus of the
Victoria lineage or a type B virus of the Yamagata lineage). The population was aged 3 through
17 years (mean age: 9 years) and 53% were male; 65% were white, 13% were Asian, 9% were
black, and 13% 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
for 7 days (day of vaccination and the next 6 days). The incidence of local adverse reactions and
systemic adverse events occurring within 7 days of vaccination in children are shown in Table 4.
Table 4. FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited Local Adverse Reactions
and Systemic Adverse Events within 7 Daysa of First Vaccination in Children Aged 3 through 17 Yearsb (Total Vaccinated Cohort)
Adverse Reaction/
Adverse Event |
FLULAVAL 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 Adverse Reactions |
n = 913 |
n = 911 |
n = 915 |
Pain |
65.4 |
3.2 |
54.6 |
1.8 |
55.7 |
2.4 |
Swelling |
6.2 |
0.1 |
3.3 |
0.0 |
3.8 |
0.0 |
Redness |
5.3 |
0.1 |
3.2 |
0.0 |
3.5 |
0.0 |
|
Aged 3 through 4 Years |
Systemic Adverse Events |
n = 185 |
n = 187 |
n = 189 |
Irritability |
25.9 |
0.5 |
16.6 |
0.0 |
21.7 |
1.6 |
Drowsiness |
21.1 |
0.0 |
19.8 |
1.6 |
23.3 |
0.5 |
Loss of appetite |
17.3 |
0.0 |
16.0 |
1.6 |
13.2 |
1.1 |
Feverg |
4.9 |
0.5 |
5.9 |
1.1 |
3.7 |
1.6 |
|
Aged 5 through 17 Years |
Systemic Adverse Events |
n = 727 |
n = 724 |
n = 725 |
Muscle aches |
28.5 |
0.7 |
24.9 |
0.6 |
24.7 |
1.0 |
Fatigue |
22.1 |
0.7 |
23.6 |
1.8 |
23.0 |
1.0 |
Headache |
22.0 |
1.0 |
22.1 |
1.0 |
20.1 |
1.2 |
Arthralgia |
12.9 |
0.4 |
11.9 |
0.6 |
10.5 |
0.1 |
Gastrointestinal symptomsh |
9.6 |
1.0 |
9.7 |
1.0 |
9.0 |
0.7 |
Shivering |
7.0 |
0.4 |
6.9 |
1.2 |
6.9 |
0.6 |
Feverg |
1.9 |
0.6 |
3.6 |
1.1 |
2.5 |
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 7 days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 6 days.
b Trial 2: NCT01198756.
c Contained 2 A strains and 2 B strains, one of Victoria lineage and one of Yamagata lineage.
d Contained the same 2 A strains as FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT and a B strain of Victoria lineage.
e Contained the same 2 A strains as FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT and a B strain of Yamagata lineage.
f Grade 3 pain: Defined as cried when limb was moved/spontaneously painful (children ≥5 years), or significant pain at rest, prevented normal everyday activities (children ≥5 years).
Grade 3 swelling, redness: Defined as >100 mm.
Grade 3 irritability: Defined as crying that could not be comforted/prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 drowsiness: Defined as prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 loss of appetite: Defined as not eating at all.
Grade 3 (or higher) fever: Defined as ≥102.2°F (39.0°C).
Grade 3 muscle aches, fatigue, headache, arthralgia, gastrointestinal symptoms, shivering:
Defined as prevented normal activity.
g Fever: Defined as ≥100.4°F (38.0°C).
h Gastrointestinal symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain. |
In children who received a second dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, FLUARIX TIV-1
(B Victoria), or TIV-2 (B Yamagata), the incidences of adverse events 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 30%, 31%,
and 30% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 932), FLUARIX TIV-1
(B Victoria) (n = 929), or TIV-2 (B Yamagata) (n = 932), respectively. The unsolicited adverse
events that occurred most frequently (≥1% for FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT) included
vomiting, pyrexia, bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection,
headache, cough, oropharyngeal pain, and rhinorrhea. Serious adverse events occurring within
28 days of any vaccination were reported in 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.2% of subjects who received
FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, FLUARIX TIV-1 (B Victoria), or TIV-2 (B Yamagata),
respectively.
Trial 3 (NCT01218308) was a randomized, observer-blind, non-influenza vaccine-controlled
trial evaluating the efficacy of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT. The trial included subjects aged
3 through 8 years who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 2,584) or HAVRIX
(Hepatitis A Vaccine) (n = 2,584) as a control vaccine. Children with no history of influenza
vaccination received 2 doses of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or HAVRIX approximately
28 days apart (this dosing regimen for HAVRIX is not a U.S.-licensed schedule). Children with a
history of influenza vaccination received one dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or
HAVRIX. In the overall population, 52% were male; 60% were Asian, 5% were white, and 35%
were of other racial/ethnic groups. The mean age of subjects was 5 years. Solicited local adverse
reactions and systemic adverse events were collected for 7 days (day of vaccination and the next
6 days). The incidence of local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events occurring within 7
days of vaccination in children are shown in Table 5.
Table 5. FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited Local Adverse Reactions
and Systemic Adverse Events within 7 Daysa of First Vaccination in Children Aged 3
through 8 Yearsb (Total Vaccinated Cohort)
Adverse Reaction/
Adverse Event |
FLULAVAL
QUADRIVALENT % |
HAVRIXc % |
Any |
Grade 3d |
Any |
Grade 3d |
Aged 3 through 8 Years |
Local Adverse Reactions |
n = 2,546 |
n = 2,551 |
Pain |
39.4 |
0.9 |
27.8 |
0.7 |
Swelling |
1.0 |
0.0 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
Redness |
0.4 |
0.0 |
0.2 |
0.0 |
|
Aged 3 through 4 Years |
Systemic Adverse Events |
n = 898 |
n = 895 |
Loss of appetite |
9.0 |
0.3 |
8.2 |
0.4 |
Irritability |
8.1 |
0.4 |
7.5 |
0.1 |
Drowsiness |
7.7 |
0.4 |
7.3 |
0.0 |
Fevere |
3.8 |
1.2 |
4.4 |
1.3 |
|
Aged 5 through 8 Years |
Systemic Adverse Events |
n = 1,648 |
n = 1,654 |
Muscle aches |
12.0 |
0.1 |
9.7 |
0.2 |
Headache |
10.5 |
0.4 |
10.6 |
0.8 |
Fatigue |
8.4 |
0.1 |
7.1 |
0.3 |
Arthralgia |
6.3 |
0.1 |
4.5 |
0.1 |
Gastrointestinal symptomsf |
5.5 |
0.2 |
5.9 |
0.3 |
Shivering |
3.0 |
0.1 |
2.5 |
0.1 |
Fevere |
2.7 |
0.6 |
2.7 |
0.7 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all vaccinated subjects for whom safety data were available. n = number of subjects with diary card completed.
a 7 days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 6 days.
b Trial 3: NCT01218308.
c Hepatitis A Vaccine used as a control vaccine.
d Grade 3 pain: Defined as cried when limb was moved/spontaneously painful (children ≥5 years), or significant pain at rest, prevented normal everyday activities (children ≥5 years).
Grade 3 swelling, redness: Defined as >100 mm.
Grade 3 loss of appetite: Defined as not eating at all.
Grade 3 irritability: Defined as crying that could not be comforted/prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 drowsiness: Defined as prevented normal activity.
Grade 3 (or higher) fever: Defined as ≥102.2°F (39.0°C).
Grade 3 muscle aches, headache, fatigue, arthralgia, gastrointestinal symptoms, shivering:
Defined as prevented normal activity.
e Fever: Defined as ≥100.4°F (38.0°C).
f Gastrointestinal symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain. |
In children who received a second dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or HAVRIX, the
incidences of adverse events following the second dose were generally lower than those
observed after the first dose.
The frequency of unsolicited adverse events occurring within 28 days of vaccination was similar
in both groups (33% for both FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT and HAVRIX). The unsolicited
adverse events that occurred most frequently (≥1% for FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT)
included diarrhea, pyrexia, gastroenteritis, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection,
varicella, cough, and rhinorrhea. Serious adverse events occurring within 28 days of any
vaccination were reported in 0.7% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT
and in 0.2% of subjects who received HAVRIX.
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse events have been spontaneously reported during postapproval use of
FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or FLULAVAL (trivalent influenza vaccine). Because these
events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to
reliably estimate their incidence rate or establish a causal relationship to the vaccine. Adverse
events were included based on one or more of the following factors: severity, frequency of
reporting, or strength of evidence for a causal relationship to FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or
FLULAVAL.
Blood And Lymphatic System Disorders
Lymphadenopathy.
Eye Disorders
Eye pain, photophobia.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Dysphagia, vomiting.
General Disorders And Administration Site Conditions
Chest pain, injection site inflammation, asthenia, injection site rash, influenza-like symptoms,
abnormal gait, injection site bruising, injection site sterile abscess.
Immune System Disorders
Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema.
Infections And Infestations
Rhinitis, laryngitis, cellulitis.
Musculoskeletal And Connective Tissue Disorders
Muscle weakness, arthritis.
Nervous System Disorders
Dizziness, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, hypokinesia, tremor, somnolence, syncope, Guillain-Barre
syndrome, convulsions/seizures, facial or cranial nerve paralysis, encephalopathy, limb paralysis.
Psychiatric Disorders
Insomnia.
Respiratory, Thoracic, And Mediastinal Disorders
Dyspnea, dysphonia, bronchospasm, throat tightness.
Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Urticaria, localized or generalized rash, pruritus, sweating.
Vascular Disorders
Flushing, pallor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Concomitant Administration With Other Vaccines
FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT should not be mixed with any other vaccine in the same
syringe or vial.
There are insufficient data to assess the concomitant administration of FLULAVAL
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 FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT.