Arexvy (Intramuscular)

Generic name: respiratory syncytial virus vaccine [ RES-pi-ra-tor-ee-sin-SISH-al-VYE-rus-VAX-een ]
Brand names: Abrysvo, Arexvy
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 26, 2024.

Uses for Arexvy

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults 60 years of age and older. It is also given at 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy to prevent LRTD and severe LRTD caused by RSV in infants from birth to 6 months of age. It works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.

Respiratory syncytial virus can cause serious breathing problems that may require hospitalization.

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

Before using Arexvy

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 Abrysvo™ in non-pregnant women younger than 18 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Abrysvo™ in infants born to women who were vaccinated at younger than 10 years of age. 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 Abrysvo™ 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.

Proper use of Arexvy

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

This vaccine is given as a single dose.

Precautions while using Arexvy

Be sure to notify your doctor of any side effects (eg, feeling faint) 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.

Fainting may occur after you receive this vaccine. You may need to stay for observation after you get the injection to prevent or manage fainting.

This vaccine will not protect everyone who receives it.

Side Effects of Arexvy

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:

Less common

Blurred vision
dizziness
fever
headache
nervousness
pounding in the ears
slow or fast heartbeat

Incidence not known

Chest tightness
cough
difficulty swallowing
fainting
hives, itching, skin rash
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
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
diarrhea
joint pain
muscle pain

Less common