Chikungunya vaccine, live (Intramuscular)

Generic name: chikungunya vaccine, live [ chik-en-GUN-ye-VAX-een, lyve ]
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

Uses for chikungunya vaccine, live

Chikungunya vaccine, live injection is used to prevent infection caused by chikungunya virus. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.

This vaccine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Before using chikungunya vaccine, live

In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Ixchiq® vaccine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Ixchiq® vaccine in the elderly.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this vaccine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bleeding problems or
• Immune system problem—Use with caution. These conditions may decrease the useful effects of the vaccine.

• Weak immune system (eg, cancer, HIV infection)—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

Proper use of chikungunya vaccine, live

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this vaccine in a medical facility. It is given as a shot into one of your muscles. This vaccine is given as a single dose.

This vaccine comes with patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Precautions while using chikungunya vaccine, live

Be sure to notify your doctor of any side effects that occur after you receive this vaccine.

This vaccine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving the vaccine.

This vaccine may cause severe or prolonged chikungunya-like reactions. Check with your doctor right away if you have blurred vision, confusion, decreased urine output, difficulty moving, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, increased thirst, joint pain, muscle aches, cramps, pains, stiffness, nausea, seizures, sweating, swollen joints, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This vaccine may transmit chikungunya virus from pregnant women to their babies. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Fainting may occur after you receive this vaccine. Your doctor may want you to be observed after you get the injection to prevent or manage fainting.

This vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it. It will not treat symptoms of chikungunya virus if you already have the disease.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of chikungunya vaccine, live

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Difficulty in moving
• fever
• joint pain
• muscle pain or stiffness

Less common

• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
• rapid weight gain
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• unusual weight gain or loss
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Incidence not known

• Blurred vision
• coma
• confusion
• decreased urine output
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• headache
• increased thirst
• muscle cramps
• seizures
• sweating
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• swollen joints
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• nausea

Less common

• Lack or loss of strength

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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