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IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine)
(pronounced “ik-se-ah-ro”)
Generic name: Japanese encephalitis vaccine, inactivated, adsorbed

Read this information about IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) before you are vaccinated. If you have any questions about IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) after reading this leaflet, ask your health care provider. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your health care professional about IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) . Only your health care provider can decide if IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) is right for you.

What is IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) and how does it work?

• IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) is a vaccine for use in persons 17 years of age and older to help protect against Japanese encephalitis (JE). You cannot get the disease from IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) .
• You will need 2 doses of the vaccine.
• You should still protect yourself from mosquito bites even if you have had the IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) vaccine.
• IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.
• IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) does not protect against encephalitis caused by other viruses/pathogens.
• IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) does not protect against other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

What is Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and what is the disease caused by JEV?

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, JEV, which is mainly found in Asia. JEV is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have bitten an infected animal (like pigs). Many infected people develop mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. In people who develop severe disease, JE usually starts as a flu-like illness, with fever, chills, tiredness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Confusion and agitation also occur in the early stage. JE causes death in one out of every three people with overt encephalitis. One out of two survivors develops permanent brain damage. JE acquired during pregnancy may cause intrauterine infection and miscarriage.

Who is at risk for Japanese encephalitis?

• People who live in, or travel to, areas where JEV circulates.
• Laboratory personnel who work with JEV.

Who should not get IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) ?

You should not get IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. A list of ingredients can be found at the end of this leaflet.
• had an allergic reaction after getting a dose of the vaccine.
• IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) is not approved for use in children.

What should I tell my health care professional before I am vaccinated with IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) ?

It is very important to tell your health care provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) .
• have a bleeding disorder or a reduction in blood platelets, which increases risk of bleeding or bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cannot receive injections in the arm.
• have a weakened immune system, for example, due to a genetic defect or HIV infection.
• are or may be pregnant, or are breast feeding. IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) has not been studied in pregnant women or nursing mothers.
• currently have any illness with a fever of more than 100°F (37.8°C).
• take any medicines, even those you can buy over the counter.

How is IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) given?

IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) is given as an injection in the upper arm muscle. You will get a total of 2 doses of the vaccine. Ideally, the doses are given as:

• First dose: at a date you and your health care provider choose.
• Second dose: 28 days after the first dose.

Make sure that you get both doses. If you miss the second dose, your health care provider will decide when to give the missed dose. Be aware that maximum protection may not be achieved until 1 week after you receive the second dose of IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) .

What are the possible side effects of IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) ?

The most common side effects are headache, muscle pain and injection site reactions (e.g., pain, swelling, tenderness, redness). Nausea, skin rash, fatigue, flu-like illness, and fever may also occur.

Contact your health care provider right away if you get any symptoms after receiving IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) that concern you.

Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following problems because these may be signs of an allergic reaction:

• difficulty breathing
• hoarseness or wheezing
• hives
• dizziness, weakness or fast heart beat

What are the ingredients of IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) ?

Active Ingredient: purified components of inactivated Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

Inactive Ingredients: aluminum hydroxide and phosphate buffered saline (sodium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate).

Minute amounts of other substances remain in the vaccine as a result of the manufacturing process. Refer to the package insert for a complete list.

What else should I know about IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) ?

This leaflet is a summary of information about IXIARO (japanese encephalitis vaccine) . If you would like more information, please talk to your health care professional. U.S. and international agencies (such as cdc.gov and who.int) also provide additional information about JEV and related travel advisories.

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/11/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.