Flublok Quadrivalent 2017-2018 Formula (Intramuscular)

Influenza virus vaccine, recombinant is used to prevent infection from influenza viruses in adults 18 years of age and older. The vaccine helps your body produce 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 an influenza vaccination 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 that happen after you get this vaccine.

This vaccine may cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical help. Contact your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and 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, like a steroid, radiation, or cancer treatment. This vaccine may not work as effectively if you are also using these medicines. Your doctor may still recommend that you get the vaccine because it can offer some protection.

In deciding to use a vaccine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks of the vaccine compared to the benefits it provides. Here are some important points to consider for this vaccine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, 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

Current studies have not shown any specific problems in older adults that would limit the usefulness of Flublok® or Flublok® Quadrivalent.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies to determine the risk to infants when this medication is used during breastfeeding. Consider the possible benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor might adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is very important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the following medicines while receiving this vaccine. The following interactions are highlighted due to their potential significance and may not include all possible interactions.

Using this vaccine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of use for one or both medicines.

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

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

• Carbamazepine

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime or with certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may impact the use of this vaccine. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

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

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

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might need medical attention.

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

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 might occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, 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 can 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?
• How can I get a flu vaccine without a needle?
• What is the difference between Flublok and Flublok Quadrivalent?
• Which flu vaccines are available this year?
• Where Can I Get a Flu Shot Near Me?
• How well does the flu vaccine work?

View more FAQ