Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Influenza Virus Intranasal Vaccine
Other Names: FluMist
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Influenza Virus Intranasal Vaccine? (Back to top)
INTRANASAL INFLUENZA VACCINE is a vaccine to protect from an infection with influenza, also known as the flu. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma or wheezing
• Guillain-Barre syndrome or other neurological problems
• immune system problems
• other chronic health problems
• under 18 and taking aspirin
• an unusual or allergic reaction to intranasal influenza vaccine, eggs, gentamicin, gelatin, arginine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Use this vaccine in the nose. Do not take by mouth. It is given by a health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

This medicine is not approved for use in patients over 49 years old.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• anakinra

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• medicines for organ transplant
• medicines to treat cancer
• medicines to treat the flu
• other medicines used in the nose
• other vaccines
• some medicines for arthritis
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• ear pain
• extreme irritability
• fever over 102 degrees F
• nose bleed
• muscle weakness
• unusual drooping or paralysis of face

• chills
• cough
• headache
• muscle aches and pains
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• stomach upset
• tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Report any side effects to your doctor right away.

After you receive this vaccine, stay away from people who have immune system problems for 21 days. This includes people who have an HIV infection, AIDS, cancer, or certain chronic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis. You may give them the flu.

Remember that this vaccine lowers your risk of getting the flu. You can get a milder flu infection if you are around others with the flu. The flu vaccine will not protect against colds or other illnesses. A yearly vaccination is recommended. Ask your health care professional about immunization for other family members.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:November 20, 2007

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