Ipol (Injection)

Poliovirus vaccine is a medicine that helps protect against poliomyelitis (polio). It works by helping your body make its own defense (antibodies) against the virus that causes polio.

There are two types of polio vaccine given by injection: poliovirus vaccine inactivated (IPV) and poliovirus vaccine inactivated enhanced potency (eIPV). In the U.S. and Canada, the injection given is eIPV. The vaccine taken by mouth is called poliovirus vaccine live oral (OPV).

Polio is a serious illness that can cause paralysis of muscles, including those needed for walking and breathing. A polio infection can leave someone unable to breathe without using an iron lung, unable to walk without leg braces, or needing a wheelchair. There is no cure for polio.

It is recommended that all infants from 6 to 12 weeks of age, all children, all adolescents up to 18 years of age, and certain adults at higher risk of exposure to polioviruses get immunized, including:

• People traveling to areas or countries where polio is common, regardless of past vaccinations.
• People living in areas where polio is still present.
• Adults who have not been vaccinated or who have not completed the full vaccination series against polio and live with children who will receive the oral polio vaccine (OPV).
• Workers in day-care centers and group homes for children, like orphanages.
• Workers in medical facilities, such as hospitals and doctor’s offices.
• Laboratory workers dealing with samples that may contain polio viruses.

Immunization against polio is not suggested for infants younger than 6 weeks old because antibodies they received from their mothers might affect how well the vaccine works. Infants who were vaccinated against polio before 6 weeks of age should complete the full polio vaccination series.

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

Tell your doctor that you have received this vaccine if you plan to get any live virus vaccines within 1 month after getting this vaccine.

In deciding to get a vaccine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of the vaccine against the benefits it provides. Here are some important points regarding this vaccine:

After getting immunized, there is a very small risk (1 in 2.2 million) that anyone in your household who hasn't been immunized against polio or has had an immune deficiency could develop poliomyelitis (polio) from being near you. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor.

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 provider know if you have any other allergies, like to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. If you are using non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

This vaccine is not recommended for infants younger than 6 weeks old. For infants and children aged 6 weeks and older, the polio vaccine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work in the same way as they do in younger adults. While there is no specific information comparing the use of the polio vaccine in older people to other age groups, this vaccine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older individuals than it does in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

Research in women indicates that this medication poses minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together despite potential interactions. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. It's especially important for your healthcare provider to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while receiving this vaccine. The following interactions are significant but 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 situations. 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

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime or with certain types of food, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines can also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare provider how to use your medicine in relation to food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

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

• Diarrhea or
• Virus infection or
• Vomiting—These conditions may lessen the effectiveness of the vaccine.

• Fever or
• Illness (moderate or severe) or
• Weakness (severe)—The symptoms of these conditions may be mistaken for possible side effects of the vaccine.

• Immune deficiency condition, family history of—This may increase the likelihood of side effects from the vaccine.

Along with its needed effects, Ipol (Injection) may cause some unwanted effects. Not all side effects may occur, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

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

Symptoms of allergic reaction

• Difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• hives
• itching, especially of the feet or hands
• reddening of the skin, especially around ears
• swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)

More common

• Fever over 102° F (39° C)

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 Ipol (Injection). 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

• Irritability
• loss of appetite
• tiredness

Less common

• Itching or skin rash
• redness, soreness, hard lump, tenderness, or pain at the place of injection

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.

• Ipol

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this vaccine in a hospital. This vaccine is given as a shot into your muscle or under your skin.

In children, a total of 4 shots of polio vaccine are given. The shots are usually given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years of age. Each dose of this vaccine is usually given at least 4 weeks apart. The first dose of this vaccine may be given to infants 6 weeks of age.

This vaccine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you or your child miss a scheduled shot, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.