Ixchiq

Pronunciation: ǐks-chēk
Generic name: chikungunya vaccine, live
Dosage form: intramuscular injection
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Mar 26, 2024.

What is Ixchiq?

Ixchiq is a chikungunya virus vaccine used to prevent chikungunya disease. Ixchiq contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus that helps build up an immune response to the chikungunya virus to prevent potentially debilitating chikungunya disease if you get the chikungunya virus in the future. Ixchiq is used for people 18 and older who have an increased risk of being exposed to chikungunya virus (CHIKV). 

Infection with the chikungunya virus can lead to chikungunya disease with symptoms of fever, joint pain, rash, headache, and muscle pain. Sometimes, debilitating joint pain can last for months or even years. The chikungunya virus is mainly transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with occasional outbreaks in other regions.

It is still important to protect yourself from mosquito bites even if you have received the Ixchiq vaccine.

Ixchiq received FDA approval on November 10, 2023, for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to the chikungunya virus.

Ixchiq side effects

Also see Warnings section.

The most common Ixchiq side effects are injection site reaction (>10%), headache (31%), fatigue (29%), muscle pain (24%), joint pain (17%), fever (13%) and nausea (11%).

Day 2 was the average day for local reactions (Day 1 being the day of vaccination), and Day 5 was the average day for systemic reactions. Local and systemic adverse reactions resolved with an average duration of 2 days.

Ixchiq may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells in some people. This usually occurs within the first week following vaccination. In most people, the numbers of white blood cells return to normal on their own within one month. 

Serious Adverse Reactions

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergic reaction symptoms, including difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, dizziness, weakness, or fast heartbeat.

Chikungunya-like adverse reactions include fever (≥38 °C / 100.4 °F) and one or more of joint pain or arthritis, muscle pain, headache, back pain, rash, swollen lymph glands, or certain neurological, cardiac, or ocular symptoms that occur starting within 30 days after vaccination.

What to avoid

Ixchiq should not be used if you have a weakened immune system due to medications used for hematologic and solid tumors, are on chemotherapy, have a history of congenital immunodeficiency, long-term immunosuppressive therapy, or patients with HIV infection who are severely immunocompromised.

You should not have Ixchiq vaccination if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component.

Warning 

Acute Allergic Reactions

Appropriate medical treatment to manage immediate allergic reactions must be available in case of an acute anaphylactic reaction following administration of Ixchiq or any vaccine.

Chikungunya-like Adverse Reactions (Severe or Prolonged)

Ixchiq may cause chikungunya-like adverse reactions that are severe or prolonged. Severe chikungunya-like adverse reactions that prevented daily activity and/or required medical intervention occurred in 1.6% of 3,082 Ixchiq recipients and no placebo recipients. Fourteen Ixchiq recipients had chikungunyal-like adverse reactions that lasted at least 30 days.

Vertical Transmission of Vaccine Virus and Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Infection of pregnant individuals with wild-type chikungunya virus can result in intrapartum transmission and potentially fatal neonatal complications. Ixchiq should only be administered during pregnancy after an individual risk-benefit assessment, considering maternal risk of chikungunya infection and gestational age.

Fainting

Fainting can occur with administering Ixchiq or other vaccines. Procedures should be in place to avoid injury from fainting.

Vaccine Effectiveness Limitations

Ixchiq may not protect all individuals who receive the vaccine.

Before taking this medicine

It is very important to tell your healthcare provider before you have the Ixchiq if you:

• are allergic to any ingredient of Ixchiq
• have a bleeding disorder, or are on a blood thinner
• have a weakened immune system due to a condition or therapy
• are or may be pregnant (see warning section) or are breastfeeding.
• currently have any illness with a fever of more than 38.0 °C (100.4 °F)
• take any medicines, even those you can buy over the counter.

Ixchiq Dosing Information? 

Ixchiq is given as a single injection into the muscle (intramuscular injection).

What other drugs will affect Ixchiq?

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Storage

• Store vial of Lyophilized Antigen Component, Live, and syringe of Sterile Water Diluent. Component in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F). 
• Store in the original carton to protect from light. 
• Do not freeze.

Ingredients

Weakened live chikungunya virus (CHIKV), recombinant human albumin, sucrose, Dsorbitol, L-methionine and salts. IXCHIQ may contain trace amounts of bovine serum albumin, Vero cell protein, Vero cell DNA and protamine sulphate.

Manufacturer

License Holder: Valneva Austria GmbH Campus Vienna Biocenter 3 1030 Vienna, Austria.

Manufacturer Valneva Scotland Ltd. Oakbank Park Rd, Livingston EH53 0TG, United Kingdom. Distributor Valneva USA Inc. Valneva Austria GmbH IXCHIQ 18 Bethesda, MD 20814 USA.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer