Abrysvo Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Abrysvo is a vaccine that helps protect against lung and airway disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is given to pregnant people to protect their babies from birth through 6 months of age, and to adults 60 and older, as well as some higher-risk adults aged 18-59. It works by prompting the immune system to make protective antibodies against RSV.

What is Abrysvo Injection

Abrysvo is a vaccine, generically known as Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (RSVpreFa/preFb-recombinant), belonging to the RSV Vaccines and Immunization drug class. It helps protect against disease of the lungs and airways caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is given to pregnant people to protect their babies from birth through 6 months of age, and to adults 60 and older (and some adults 18-59 at higher risk).

Abrysvo Injection uses

• Passive protection against lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in infants from birth through 6 months of age, given through vaccination of the mother during pregnancy
• Active immunisation of adults 18 years of age and older for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV
• Prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in adults aged 18-59 years who are at increased risk, such as those with diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease

Benefits of Abrysvo Injection

• Reduced severe RSV-related lung illness in infants by about 70-82% depending on the time period studied, when the mother was vaccinated during pregnancy
• Reduced RSV-related lung illness in adults 60 and older by about 65% (2 or more symptoms) and 89% (3 or more symptoms) in clinical trials
• Helps the body build protective antibodies against RSV before the RSV season

How Abrysvo Injection works

Abrysvo contains a protein from the virus in a special shape. This causes your immune system to make antibodies against RSV. If you get the vaccine while pregnant, these antibodies pass to your unborn baby through the placenta, giving the baby protection after birth. In adults, the vaccine helps the person's own immune system fight off the virus.

Abrysvo Injection dosage

Abrysvo is given as a single injection into the muscle of the upper arm by a doctor, nurse, or other trained healthcare professional. Pregnant individuals receive the vaccine in the late second or third trimester, generally between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Adults 60 years of age or older receive a single dose. If given at the same time as another vaccine, a different injection site will be used for each injection. Only one dose is needed; it is not repeated every RSV season.

Available forms and strengths

• Vial of powder and vial of solvent
• Injection

Side effects of Abrysvo Injection

Common

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Muscle pain (myalgia)
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Nausea
• Joint pain (in adults 18-59)
• Mild tingling in the toes or fingers that doesn't seem to spread or get worse
• Lumps or bumps under the skin, particularly in the neck, armpits or groin, which may be swollen lymph nodes

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), including rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing
• Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition causing tingling or weakness that usually starts in the legs and spreads upward, difficulty walking, difficulty with facial movements, chewing, swallowing, or speaking, double vision, or trouble breathing when lying flat
• Fainting or dizziness, especially within a few minutes of the injection
• Rapid heart rate, or low or high blood pressure
• Increased risk of preterm birth when given to pregnant individuals, especially if given before 32 weeks of pregnancy

Warnings and precautions

• Do not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to Abrysvo or any of its ingredients.
• There is an increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition where the immune system attacks the nerves, after getting this vaccine.
• When given in pregnancy, giving the vaccine too early (before 32 weeks) may raise the risk of preterm birth, so it should only be given from 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy.
• Fainting can happen after getting this and other injected vaccines, so precautions are taken to avoid injury from falling.
• People with weakened immune systems, including those on immune-suppressing medicines, may not get the full protective benefit from this vaccine.
• This vaccine should be given with caution to people who have bleeding or clotting disorders, since bleeding or bruising may occur after the injection.
• Vaccination should be postponed if you have an acute illness with a high fever, though a minor illness like a cold is not a reason to delay.
• If you are pregnant, Abrysvo is usually given in the late second or third trimester, generally between 32 and 36 weeks. It should not be given before 24 weeks, and giving it earlier in pregnancy (before 32 weeks) may raise the risk of early birth. Talk to your doctor about the best timing.
• It isn't known if Abrysvo passes into breast milk, but no harm has been seen in breastfed babies of vaccinated mothers. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• It isn't known if drinking alcohol affects this vaccine.
• This vaccine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Storage

• Store the carton in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) in the original package
• Do not freeze. Discard if the carton has been frozen
• ABRYSVO will normally be stored at the doctor's surgery or in the pharmacy
• Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements
• Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, throat tightness, hives, dizziness, or fainting.
• Call your doctor right away, or go straight to the emergency department, if you notice signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome, such as difficulty walking, trouble with facial movements, speaking, chewing or swallowing, double vision, or difficulty breathing when lying flat.
• Seek urgent medical attention for weakness or tingling in your legs that spreads to your upper body and arms, muscle weakness, or difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking.

Alternatives

• mResvia
• Arexvy