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

Quick overview

Arexvy is a vaccine given as a single shot into a muscle to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is used in adults 60 years and older, as well as in adults 18 through 59 years who have a higher chance of serious RSV illness due to certain health conditions. The vaccine contains a piece of an RSV protein combined with an ingredient that boosts the immune response, and it cannot give you an RSV infection.

What is Arexvy Injection

Arexvy is a vaccine given as a single shot into a muscle. It helps prevent lower respiratory tract disease (lung and airway infections) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults 60 years and older, and in adults 18 through 59 years who have a higher chance of serious RSV illness due to certain health conditions.

Arexvy Injection uses

• Prevents lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in adults 60 years of age and older
• Prevents LRTD caused by RSV in adults 18 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk for RSV disease because of chronic health conditions

Benefits of Arexvy Injection

• Significantly lowers the risk of developing RSV-related lung infection
• Reduces the risk of severe RSV-related lung disease
• Helps protect against serious outcomes from RSV such as pneumonia and worsening of chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart failure

How Arexvy Injection works

Arexvy contains a piece of a protein from the RSV virus (not the whole virus), combined with an ingredient that boosts the immune response. After the shot, your immune system learns to recognize this protein and makes antibodies and memory cells against it, so it can respond faster and more effectively if you are later exposed to RSV. Because the vaccine does not contain the actual virus, it cannot give you an RSV infection.

Arexvy Injection dosage

Arexvy is given as a single injection into a muscle, usually in the upper arm. Only one dose is needed; a booster is not currently recommended. It can be given at the same time as an inactivated seasonal flu vaccine, but each vaccine should be injected at a different site. The vaccine must be mixed (reconstituted) by a healthcare professional before it is given; it should not be used if the liquid looks cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.

Available forms and strengths

Injection

Side effects of Arexvy Injection

Common

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Runny nose

Serious

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (a nerve disorder)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Fainting (syncope)
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) reported in some people after vaccination

Warnings and precautions

• Studies after the vaccine was approved suggest there may be a higher chance of developing Guillain-Barré syndrome within 42 days after getting Arexvy.
• Do not give this vaccine to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any of its ingredients in the past.
• Fainting can happen after getting this or other injectable vaccines, so there should be a plan in place to prevent injury if someone faints.
• People with weakened immune systems, including those on immune-suppressing medicines, may not respond to the vaccine as well as others.
• This vaccine is not approved for children or teenagers under 18 years old.
• Arexvy is not for use in pregnant individuals. There isn't enough information about using this vaccine during pregnancy, and a related investigational vaccine was linked to more preterm births in a study.
• It is not known whether Arexvy passes into breast milk or whether it could affect a breastfed baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against your need for the vaccine.
• Alcohol is not known to interact with Arexvy, so it should be safe to drink alcohol after getting this vaccine.
• Do not drive or use machinery if you feel unwell after getting the vaccine.

Storage

• Store in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F)
• Store in the original package to protect from light
• Do not freeze; discard if it has been frozen
• After mixing, give the vaccine right away, or store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature (up to 25°C/77°F) and use within 4 hours
• Discard the mixed vaccine if not used within 4 hours
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as an itchy rash, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face or tongue.
• Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome, such as tingling or weakness in the legs that spreads upward, or difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
• If you think you have taken too much of the vaccine or have another medical emergency, contact a healthcare professional, go to a hospital emergency department, or call your regional poison control center right away.

Alternatives

• Abrysvo
• mResvia