Flublok 2017-2018 Formula (Intramuscular)

Influenza virus vaccine, recombinant is used to prevent infection from influenza viruses in adults 18 years and older. The vaccine helps your body make its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. It is also called a “flu shot.”

You need to get an influenza vaccine injection every year because influenza infections are often caused by different types of viruses, and the protection from the vaccine lasts less than a year. The best way to help prevent influenza infections is to get vaccinated each year, usually in early November.

This vaccine should only be given by or under the supervision of your doctor or another health care professional.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects you have after getting this vaccine.

This vaccine may cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical help. Contact your doctor right away if you experience a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing after the injection.

The influenza virus vaccine may not protect everyone who gets it. Also, this vaccine will not treat flu symptoms if you already have the virus.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any medicine or treatment that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid, radiation, or cancer treatment. This vaccine may not work as effectively if you are using these medicines. Your doctor may still recommend that you get the vaccine because it can provide some protection.

In deciding to use a vaccine, you and your doctor must consider the risks of taking the vaccine against the benefits it provides. For this vaccine, please consider the following:

Allergies

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

Pediatric

There have not been appropriate studies on how Flublok® or Flublok® Quadrivalent affects children aged 3 to 17 years. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for this age group.

Geriatric

Studies to date have not shown any specific problems in elderly patients that would limit the usefulness of Flublok® or Flublok® Quadrivalent.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. It is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while receiving this vaccine. The following interactions are significant but not necessarily all-inclusive.

Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some situations. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of one or both of the medicines.

• Elivaldogene Autotemcel
• Teplizumab-mzwv
• Ublituximab-xiiy
• Warfarin

Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of one or both of the medicines.

• Carbamazepine

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

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

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect your use of this vaccine. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical problems you have, especially:

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS, a severe nerve and muscle issue), history of—Use with caution. May cause symptoms of this condition to return.

• Immune system problems from a disease or medicine—May not work as effectively in patients with this condition.

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

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of the following side effects:

Incidence not known

• Cough
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Hives, itching, or skin rash
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Tightness in the chest
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may happen 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 lessen 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

• Difficulty with moving
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Muscle aching or cramping
• Muscle pains or stiffness
• Nausea
• Pain at the injection site
• Swollen joints

Less common

• Chills
• Redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site

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.

In the U.S.

• Flublok
• Flublok 2015-2016 Formula
• Flublok 2016-2017 Formula
• Flublok 2017-2018 Formula
• Flublok Quadrivalent 2016-2017 Formula
• Flublok Quadrivalent 2017-2018 Formula

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this vaccine. This vaccine is given as a shot into one of your muscles, usually in the shoulder area.

You need to get the flu vaccine every year to protect you from the flu.

This medicine comes with a patient information sheet. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

• How and where is a flu shot injection given?
• Flu Vaccines and Egg Allergy: Which Are Safe?
• Which flu vaccines are available this year?
• Where Can I Get a Flu Shot Near Me?
• How can I get a flu vaccine without a needle?
• What is the difference between Flublok and Flublok Quadrivalent?

View more FAQ