FLUARIX
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATIONThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use FLUARIX safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for FLUARIX. FLUARIX (Influenza Virus Vaccine)Suspension for Intramuscular Injection2013-2014 FormulaInitial U.S. Approval: 2005INDICATIONS AND USAGE FLUARIX is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B virus contained in the vaccine. FLUARIX is approved for use in persons 3 years of age and older. (1) DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For intramuscular injection only. (2) Age Vaccination Status Dose and Schedule 3 through 8 years of age Not previously vaccinated with influenza vaccine Two doses (0.5‑mL each) at least 4 weeks apart (2.1) Vaccinated with influenza vaccine in a previous season One or two dosesa (0.5‑mL each) (2.1) 9 years of age and older Not applicable One 0.5‑mL dose (2.1) a One dose or two doses (0.5‑ mL each) depending on vaccination history as per the annual Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation on prevention and control of influenza with vaccines. If two doses, administer each 0.5‑ mL dose at least 4 weeks apart. (2.1 )DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Suspension for injection supplied in 0.5-mL single-dose prefilled syringes. (3) CONTRAINDICATIONS History of severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine, including egg protein, or following a previous dose of any influenza vaccine. (4, 11) WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS •If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of a prior influenza vaccine, the decision to give FLUARIX should be based on potential benefits and risks. (5.1) •The tip caps of the prefilled syringes of FLUARIX may contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals. (5.2) •Syncope (fainting) can occur in association with administration of injectable vaccines, including FLUARIX. Procedures should be in place to avoid falling injury and to restore cerebral perfusion following syncope. (5.3) Side Effects •In adults, the most common (≥10%) local and general adverse events were pain and redness at the injection site, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. (6.1) •In children 5 years through 17 years of age, the most common (≥10%) local and general adverse events were similar to those in adults but also included swelling at the injection site. (6.1) •In children 3 years through 4 years of age, the most common (≥10%) local and general adverse events were pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, irritability, loss of appetite, and drowsiness. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GlaxoSmithKline at 1-888-825-5249 or VAERS at 1-800-822-7967 or www.vaers.hhs.gov. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS •Safety and effectiveness of FLUARIX have not been established in pregnant women or nursing mothers. (8.1, 8.3) •Register women who receive FLUARIX while pregnant in the pregnancy registry by calling 1-888-452-9622. (8.1) •In a clinical study of children younger than 3 years of age, antibody titers were lower after FLUARIX than after an active comparator. (8.4) •Geriatric Use: Antibody responses were lower in geriatric subjects who received FLUARIX than in younger subjects. (8.5)
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
- 1 FLUARIX INDICATIONS AND USAGE
- 2 FLUARIX DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
- 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
- 4 FLUARIX CONTRAINDICATIONS
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- 6 FLUARIX ADVERSE REACTIONS
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
- 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
- 11 FLUARIX DESCRIPTION
- 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
- 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
- 14 CLINICAL STUDIES
- 15 REFERENCES
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
- 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
FLUARIX® is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B virus contained in the vaccine [see Description (11)]. FLUARIX is approved for use in persons 3 years of age and older.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
For intramuscular injection only.
2.1 Dosage and Schedule
The dose and schedule for FLUARIX are presented in Table 1.
|
Age |
Vaccination Status |
Dose and Schedule |
|
3 through 8 years of age |
Not previously vaccinated with influenza vaccine |
Two doses (0.5‑mL each) at least 4 weeks apart |
|
Vaccinated with influenza vaccine in a previous season |
One or two dosesa (0.5‑mL each) |
|
|
9 years of age and older |
Not applicable |
One 0.5‑mL dose |
a One dose or two doses (0.5‑ mL each) depending on vaccination history as per the annual Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation on prevention and control of influenza with vaccines. If two doses, administer each 0.5‑ mL dose 4 weeks apart.
2.2 Administration Instructions
Shake well before administration. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. If either of these conditions exists, the vaccine should not be administered.
Attach a sterile needle to the prefilled syringe and administer intramuscularly.
The preferred site for intramuscular injection is the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. Do not inject in the gluteal area or areas where there may be a major nerve trunk.
Do not administer this product intravenously, intradermally, or subcutaneously.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
FLUARIX is a suspension for injection. Each 0.5-mL dose is supplied in single-dose prefilled TIP‑LOK® syringes.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
Do not administer FLUARIX to anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine, including egg protein, or following a previous administration of any influenza vaccine [see Description (11)].
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Guillain-Barré Syndrome
If Guillain‑Barré syndrome (GBS) has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of a prior influenza vaccine, the decision to give FLUARIX should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.
The 1976 swine influenza vaccine was associated with an increased frequency of GBS. Evidence for a causal relation of GBS with subsequent vaccines prepared from other influenza viruses is inconclusive. If influenza vaccine does pose a risk, it is probably slightly more than one additional case/one million persons vaccinated.
5.2 Latex
The tip caps of the prefilled syringes of FLUARIX may contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions in latex‑sensitive individuals.
5.3 Syncope
Syncope (fainting) can occur in association with administration of injectable vaccines, including FLUARIX. Syncope can be accompanied by transient neurological signs such as visual disturbance, paresthesia, and tonic-clonic limb movements. Procedures should be in place to avoid falling injury and to restore cerebral perfusion following syncope.
5.4 Preventing and Managing Allergic Vaccine Reactions
Prior to administration, the healthcare provider should review the immunization history for possible vaccine sensitivity and previous vaccination‑related adverse reactions. Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available to manage possible anaphylactic reactions following administration of FLUARIX.
5.5 Altered Immunocompetence
If FLUARIX is administered to immunosuppressed persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy, the immune response may be lower than in immunocompetent persons.
5.6 Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness
Vaccination with FLUARIX may not protect all susceptible individuals.
5.7 Persons at Risk of Bleeding
As with other intramuscular injections, FLUARIX should be given with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or on anticoagulant therapy, to avoid the risk of hematoma following the injection.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a vaccine cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another vaccine, and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. There is the possibility that broad use of FLUARIX could reveal adverse reactions not observed in clinical trials.
Adults: In adults, the most common (≥10%) local adverse reactions and general adverse events observed with FLUARIX were pain and redness at the injection site, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache.
FLUARIX has been administered to 10,317 adults 18 through 64 years of age and 606 subjects 65 years of age and older in 4 clinical trials.
One of the 4 clinical trials was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that evaluated a total of 952 subjects: FLUARIX (N = 760) and placebo (N = 192). The population was 18 through 64 years of age (mean 39.1), 54% were female and 80% were white. Solicited events were collected for 4 days (day of vaccination and the next 3 days) (Table 2). Unsolicited events that occurred within 21 days of vaccination (day 0-20) were recorded using diary cards supplemented by spontaneous reports and a medical history as reported by subjects.
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FLUARIX
N = 760
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Placebo
N = 192
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Local Adverse Reactions |
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Pain |
55 |
12 |
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Redness |
18 |
10 |
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Swelling |
9 |
6 |
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General Adverse Events |
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Muscle aches |
23 |
12 |
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Fatigue |
20 |
18 |
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Headache |
19 |
21 |
|
Arthralgia |
6 |
6 |
|
Shivering |
3 |
3 |
|
Fever ≥100.4°F (38.0°C) |
2 |
2 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all vaccinated subjects for whom safety data were available.
a 4 days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 3 days.
b NCT00100399.
Unsolicited adverse events that occurred in ≥1% of recipients of FLUARIX and at a rate greater than placebo included upper respiratory tract infection (3.9% versus 2.6%), nasopharyngitis (2.5% versus 1.6%), nasal congestion (2.2% versus 2.1%), diarrhea (1.6% versus 0%), influenza-like illness (1.6% versus 0.5%), vomiting (1.4% versus 0%), and dysmenorrhea (1.3% versus 1.0%).
A randomized, single-blind, active-controlled US study evaluated subjects randomized to receive FLUARIX (N = 917) or FLUZONE (N = 910), a US‑licensed trivalent, inactivated influenza virus vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur SA) stratified by age: 18 through 64 years and 65 years of age and older. In the overall population, 59% of subjects were female and 91% were white. Solicited events were collected using diary cards for 4 days (day of vaccination and the next 3 days) (Table 3). Unsolicited events that occurred within 21 days of vaccination (day 0-20) were recorded using diary cards.
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18 Through 64 Years of Age |
65 Years of Age and Older |
|||
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FLUARIX N = 315 % |
Comparator Influenza Vaccine N = 314 % |
FLUARIX N = 601-602 % |
Comparator Influenza Vaccine N = 596 % |
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Local Adverse Reactions |
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Pain |
48 |
53 |
19 |
18 |
|
Redness |
13 |
16 |
11 |
13 |
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Swelling |
9 |
11 |
6 |
9 |
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General Adverse Events |
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Fatigue |
21 |
18 |
9 |
10 |
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Headache |
20 |
21 |
8 |
8 |
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Muscle aches |
16 |
13 |
7 |
7 |
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Arthralgia |
9 |
9 |
6 |
5 |
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Shivering |
3 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
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Fever ≥99.5°F (37.5°C) |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
Total vaccinated cohort for safety included all vaccinated subjects for whom safety data were available.
a 4 days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 3 days.
b NCT00197288.
Unsolicited adverse events that occurred in ≥1% of all recipients of FLUARIX or the comparator influenza vaccine in the 21-day post-vaccination period included headache (2.8% versus 2.3%), back pain (1.5% versus 0.4%), pain in extremity (1.2% versus 0.7%), pharyngolaryngeal pain (1.2% versus 0.9%), cough (1.1% versus 0.9%), fatigue (1.1% versus 0.7%), nasopharyngitis (1.0% versus 1.3%), nausea (0.4% versus 1.0%), arthralgia (0.3% versus 1.0%), and injection site pruritus (0.2% versus 1.0%).
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in subjects 18 through 64 years of age randomized (2:1) to receive FLUARIX (N = 5,103) or placebo (N = 2,549) was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of FLUARIX. In the total population, 60% were female and 99.9% were white. In a subset (FLUARIX [N = 305] and placebo [N = 155]), unsolicited events that occurred within 21 days of vaccination (day 0-20) were recorded on diary cards. The percentage of subjects reporting at least one unsolicited event was similar among the groups (24.3% for FLUARIX and 22.6% for placebo). Unsolicited adverse events that occurred in ≥1% of recipients of FLUARIX and at a rate greater than placebo included injection site pain (5.2% versus 1.3%), dysmenorrhea (1.3% versus 0.6%), and migraine (1.0% versus 0.0%).
Incidence of Adverse Events Reported in ≥1% of Subjects in Non-US Clinical Trials: The following additional adverse events have been observed in adults in non-US clinical trials with FLUARIX. No adverse events were observed at an incidence of >10%.
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Injection site ecchymosis, injection site induration, malaise.
Infections and Infestations: Rhinitis.
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Musculoskeletal pain, neck pain.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Sweating.
Serious Adverse Events: In the 4 clinical trials in adults (N = 10,923), there was a single case of anaphylaxis reported with FLUARIX (<0.01%).
Children: In children 5 years through 17 years of age, the most common (≥10%) local and general adverse events were similar to those in adults but also included swelling at the injection site. In children 3 years through 4 years of age, the most common (≥10%) local and general adverse events included pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, irritability, loss of appetite, and drowsiness.
A single-blind, active-controlled US study evaluated subjects 6 months through 17 years of age who received FLUARIX (N = 2,081) or FLUZONE (N = 1,173), a US‑licensed trivalent, inactivated influenza virus vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur SA) (Study 005). Children 6 months through 8 years of age with no history of influenza vaccination received 2 doses approximately 28 days apart. Children 6 months through 8 years of age with a history of influenza vaccination and children 9 years of age and older received 1 dose. Children 6 months through 35 months of age received 0.25 mL of FLUARIX or comparator influenza vaccine, and children 3 years of age and older received 0.5 mL of FLUARIX or comparator influenza vaccine.
Study subjects were 6 months through 17 years of age and 49% were female; 68% were white, 18% were black, 3% were Asian, and 11% were of other racial/ethnic groups.
Solicited local and general adverse events were collected using diary cards for 4 days (day of vaccination and the next 3 days). Unsolicited adverse events that occurred within 28 days of vaccination (day 0-27) after the first vaccination in all subjects and 21 days (day 0-20) after the second vaccination in unprimed subjects were recorded using diary cards.
The frequencies of solicited adverse events for children 3 years through 4 years of age and for children 5 years through 17 years of age were similar for FLUARIX and the comparator vaccine (Table 4).
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3 Through 4 Years of Age |
5 Through 17 Years of Age |
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FLUARIX N = 350 % |
Comparator Influenza Vaccine N = 341 % |
FLUARIX N = 1,348 % |
Comparator Influenza Vaccine N = 451 % |
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Local Adverse Reactions |
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Pain |
35 |
38 |
56 |
56 |
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Redness |
23 |
20 |
18 |
16 |
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Swelling |
14 |
13 |
14 |
13 |
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General Adverse Events |
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Irritability |
21 |
22 |
– |
– |
|
Loss of appetite |
13 |
15 |
– |
– |
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Drowsiness |
13 |
20 |
– |
– |
|
Fever ≥99.5°F (37.5°C) |
7 |
8 |
4 |
3 |
|
Muscle aches |
– |
– |
29 |
29 |
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Fatigue |
– |
– |
20 |
19 |
|
Headache |
– |
– |
15 |
16 |
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Arthralgia |
– |
– |
6 |
6 |
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Shivering |
– |
– |
3 |
4 |
a 4 days included day of vaccination and the subsequent 3 days.
b NCT00383123.
In children who received a second dose of FLUARIX or the comparator vaccine, the incidences of adverse events following the second dose were similar to those observed after the first dose.
Unsolicited adverse events that occurred in ≥1% of recipients of FLUARIX 6 months through 17 years of age included upper respiratory tract infection (5.5%), pyrexia (4.8%), cough (4.7%), vomiting (3.2%), headache (2.8%), rhinorrhea (2.7%), diarrhea (2.5%), pharyngolaryngeal pain (2.4%), nasopharyngitis (2.3%), otitis media (2.0%), nasal congestion (1.8%), upper abdominal pain (1.4%), and upper respiratory tract congestion (1.0%). The incidences of these events were similar in recipients of the comparator vaccine.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
Worldwide voluntary reports of adverse events received for FLUARIX since market introduction of this vaccine are listed below. This list includes serious events or events which have causal connection to FLUARIX. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to the vaccine.
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Lymphadenopathy.
Cardiac Disorders: Tachycardia.
Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Vertigo.
Eye Disorders: Conjunctivitis, eye irritation, eye pain, eye redness, eye swelling, eyelid swelling.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, swelling of the mouth, throat, and/or tongue.
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Asthenia, chest pain, chills, feeling hot, injection site mass, injection site reaction, injection site warmth, body aches.
Immune System Disorders: Anaphylactic reaction including shock, anaphylactoid reaction, hypersensitivity, serum sickness.
Infections and Infestations: Injection site abscess, injection site cellulitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis.
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Pain in extremity.
Nervous System Disorders: Convulsion, dizziness, encephalomyelitis, facial palsy, facial paresis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypoesthesia, myelitis, neuritis, neuropathy, paresthesia, syncope.
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: Asthma, bronchospasm, cough, dyspnea, respiratory distress, stridor.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Angioedema, erythema, erythema multiforme, facial swelling, pruritus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, urticaria.
Vascular Disorders: Henoch-Schönlein purpura, vasculitis.
6.3 Adverse Events Associated With Influenza Vaccines
Immediate and presumably allergic reactions (e.g., hives, angioedema, allergic asthma, and systemic anaphylaxis) rarely occur after influenza vaccination. These reactions probably result from hypersensitivity to certain vaccine components, such as residual egg protein. Although FLUARIX contains only a limited quantity of egg protein, this protein can induce immediate hypersensitivity reactions among persons who have severe egg allergy [see Contraindications (4)].
Neurological disorders temporally associated with influenza vaccination such as encephalopathy, optic neuritis/neuropathy, partial facial paralysis, and brachial plexus neuropathy have been reported.
Microscopic polyangitis (vasculitis) has been reported temporally associated with influenza vaccination.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 Concomitant Vaccine Administration
FLUARIX should not be mixed with any other vaccine in the same syringe or vial.
There are insufficient data to assess the concurrent administration of FLUARIX with other vaccines. When concomitant administration of other vaccines is required, the vaccines should be administered at different injection sites.
7.2 Immunosuppressive Therapies
Immunosuppressive therapies, including irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs, and corticosteroids (used in greater than physiologic doses), may reduce the immune response to FLUARIX.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category B
A reproductive and developmental toxicity study has been performed in female rats at a dose approximately 56 times the human dose (on a mg/kg basis) and revealed no evidence of impaired female fertility or harm to the fetus due to FLUARIX. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, FLUARIX should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
In a reproductive and developmental toxicity study, the effect of FLUARIX on embryo-fetal and pre-weaning development was evaluated in pregnant rats. Animals were administered FLUARIX by intramuscular injection once prior to gestation, and during the period of organogenesis (gestation days 6, 8, 11, and 15), 0.1 mL/rat/occasion (approximately 56-fold excess relative to the projected human dose on a body weight basis). No adverse effects on mating, female fertility, pregnancy, parturition, lactation parameters, and embryo-fetal or pre-weaning development were observed. There were no vaccine-related fetal malformations or other evidence of teratogenesis.
Pregnancy Registry:GlaxoSmithKline maintains a surveillance registry to collect data on pregnancy outcomes and newborn health status outcomes following vaccination with FLUARIX during pregnancy. Women who receive FLUARIX during pregnancy should be encouraged to contact GlaxoSmithKline directly or their healthcare provider should contact GlaxoSmithKline by calling 1-888-452-9622.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether FLUARIX is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when FLUARIX is administered to a nursing woman.
8.4 Pediatric Use
The immune response to FLUARIX has been evaluated in children 6 months through 4 years of age. In a randomized, controlled study, serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody titers were lower in children 6 months through 35 months of age compared to a US-licensed vaccine. Based on these data, FLUARIX is not approved for use in children younger than 3 years of age. Immune responses in children 3 years through 4 years of age receiving FLUARIX or a US-licensed vaccine have been evaluated [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Safety has been evaluated in children 6 months through 17 years of age. The frequencies of solicited and unsolicited adverse events for children 3 years through 4 years of age and for children 5 years through 17 years of age were similar for FLUARIX and the comparator vaccine [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
8.5 Geriatric Use
A randomized, single-blind, active-controlled study evaluated immunological non‑inferiority in a cohort of subjects 65 years of age and older who received FLUARIX (N = 606) or another US‑licensed trivalent, inactivated influenza virus vaccine (N = 604) (Sanofi Pasteur SA). In subjects receiving FLUARIX or the comparator vaccine, geometric mean antibody titers post-vaccination were lower in geriatric subjects than in younger subjects (18 through 64 years of age). FLUARIX was non‑inferior to the comparator vaccine for each of the 3 influenza strains based on mean antibody titers and seroconversion rates. [See Clinical Studies (14.2).] Solicited local and general adverse events were similar for FLUARIX and the comparator vaccine among geriatric subjects (Table 3). For both vaccines, the frequency of solicited events in subjects 65 years of age and older was lower than in younger subjects (Table 3). [See Adverse Reactions (6.1).]
11 DESCRIPTION
FLUARIX, Influenza Virus Vaccine, for intramuscular injection, is a sterile colorless and slightly opalescent suspension. FLUARIX is a vaccine prepared from influenza viruses propagated in embryonated chicken eggs. Each of the influenza viruses is produced and purified separately. After harvesting the virus-containing fluids, each influenza virus is concentrated and purified by zonal centrifugation using a linear sucrose density gradient solution containing detergent to disrupt the viruses. Following dilution, the vaccine is further purified by diafiltration. Each influenza virus solution is inactivated by the consecutive effects of sodium deoxycholate and formaldehyde leading to the production of a “split virus.” Each split inactivated virus is then suspended in sodium phosphate-buffered isotonic sodium chloride solution. The vaccine is formulated from the 3 split inactivated virus solutions.
FLUARIX has been standardized according to USPHS requirements for the 2013‑2014 influenza season and is formulated to contain 45 micrograms (mcg) hemagglutinin (HA) per 0.5‑mL dose, in the recommended ratio of 15 mcg HA of each of the following 3 strains: A/Christchurch/16/2010 NIB‑74XP (H1N1) (an A/California/7/2009‑like virus), A/Texas/50/2012 NYMC X-223A (H3N2) (an A/Victoria/361/2011-like virus), and B/Massachusetts/2/2012 NYMC BX‑51B.
FLUARIX is formulated without preservatives. FLUARIX does not contain thimerosal. Each 0.5-mL dose also contains octoxynol-10 (TRITON® X-100) ≤0.085 mg, α-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate ≤0.1 mg, and polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) ≤0.415 mg. Each dose may also contain residual amounts of hydrocortisone ≤0.0016 mcg, gentamicin sulfate ≤0.15 mcg, ovalbumin ≤0.05 mcg, formaldehyde ≤5 mcg, and sodium deoxycholate ≤50 mcg from the manufacturing process.
The tip caps of the prefilled syringes of FLUARIX may contain natural rubber latex; the plungers are not made with natural rubber latex.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Influenza illness and its complications follow infection with influenza viruses. Global surveillance of influenza identifies yearly antigenic variants. For example, since 1977, antigenic variants of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) viruses and influenza B viruses have been in global circulation. Specific levels of hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody titer post-vaccination with inactivated influenza virus vaccines have not been correlated with protection from influenza illness but the HI antibody titers have been used as a measure of vaccine activity. In some human challenge studies, HI antibody titers of ≥1:40 have been associated with protection from influenza illness in up to 50% of subjects.1,2 Antibody against one influenza virus type or subtype confers little or no protection against another virus. Furthermore, antibody to one antigenic variant of influenza virus might not protect against a new antigenic variant of the same type or subtype. Frequent development of antigenic variants through antigenic drift is the virological basis for seasonal epidemics and the reason for the usual incorporation of one or more new strains in each year’s influenza vaccine. Therefore, inactivated influenza vaccines are standardized to contain the hemagglutinins of strains (i.e., typically 2 type A and 1 type B), representing the influenza viruses likely to circulate in the United States in the upcoming winter.
Annual revaccination is recommended because immunity declines during the year after vaccination, and because circulating strains of influenza virus change from year to year.3
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
FLUARIX has not been evaluated for carcinogenic or mutagenic potential, or for impairment of fertility.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Efficacy Against Culture-Confirmed Influenza
The efficacy of FLUARIX was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in 2 European countries during the 2006-2007 influenza season. Efficacy of FLUARIX, containing A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1), A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2), and B/Malaysia/2506/2004 influenza strains, was defined as the prevention of culture-confirmed influenza A and/or B cases, for vaccine antigenically matched strains, compared with placebo. Healthy subjects 18 through 64 years of age (mean 39.9 years) were randomized (2:1) to receive FLUARIX (N = 5,103) or placebo (N = 2,549) and monitored for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) starting 2 weeks post-vaccination and lasting for approximately 7 months. In the overall population, 60% of subjects were female and 99.9% were white. Culture-confirmed influenza was assessed by active and passive surveillance of ILI. Influenza-like illness was defined as at least one general symptom (fever ≥100°F and/or myalgia) and at least one respiratory symptom (cough and/or sore throat). After an episode of ILI, nose and throat swab samples were collected for analysis; attack rates and vaccine efficacy were calculated (Table 5).
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a NCT00363870.
bThere were no vaccine matched culture-confirmed cases of A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1) or B/Malaysia/2506/2004 influenza strains with FLUARIX or placebo.
cVaccine efficacy for FLUARIX exceeded a pre-defined threshold of 35% for the lower limit of the 2-sided 95% CI.
dOf the 22 additional cases, 18 were unmatched and 4 were untyped; 15 of the 22 cases were A (H3N2) (11 cases with FLUARIX and 4 cases with placebo).
In a post-hoc, exploratory analysis by age, vaccine efficacy (against culture-confirmed influenza A and/or B cases, for vaccine antigenically matched strains) in subjects 18 through 49 years of age was 73.4% (95% CI: 59.3, 82.8) [number of influenza cases: FLUARIX (n = 35/3,602) and placebo (n = 66/1,810)]. In subjects 50 through 64 years of age, vaccine efficacy was 13.8% (95% CI: ‑137.0, 66.3) [number of influenza cases: FLUARIX (n = 14/1,501) and placebo (n = 8/739)]. As the study lacked statistical power to evaluate efficacy within age subgroups, the clinical significance of these results is unknown.
14.2 Immunological Evaluation
Adults: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in healthy subjects 18 through 64 years of age (mean 39.1 years) in the United States, the immune responses to each of the antigens contained in FLUARIX were evaluated in sera obtained 21 days after administration of FLUARIX (N = 745) and were compared to those following administration of a placebo vaccine (N = 190). In the overall population, 54% of subjects were female and 80% were white. For each of the influenza antigens, the percentage of subjects who achieved seroconversion, defined as at least a 4‑fold increase in serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) titer over baseline to ≥1:40 following vaccination, and the percentage of subjects who achieved HI titers of ≥1:40 are presented in Table 6. The lower limit of the 2-sided 95% CI for the percentage of subjects who achieved seroconversion or an HI titer of ≥1:40 exceeded the pre-defined lower limits of 40% and 70%, respectively.
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HI = hemagglutination-inhibition; ATP = according‑to‑protocol; CI = Confidence Interval.
ATP cohort for immunogenicity included subjects for whom assay results were available after vaccination for at least one study vaccine antigen.
a NCT00100399.
bResults obtained following vaccination with FLUARIX manufactured for the 2004-2005 season.
cSeroconversion defined as at least a 4-fold increase in serum titers of HI antibodies to ≥1:40.
Non-Inferiority Study: In a randomized, single-blind, active-controlled US study, immunological non-inferiority of FLUARIX (N = 923) was compared with FLUZONE (N = 922), a US‑licensed trivalent, inactivated influenza virus vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur SA). Subjects 18 through 64 years and 65 years of age and older were evaluated for immune responses to each of the vaccine antigens 21 days following vaccination [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. In the overall population, 59% of subjects were female and 91% were white. The co-primary immunogenicity endpoints were geometric mean titers (GMTs) of serum HI antibodies and the percentage of subjects who achieved seroconversion, defined as at least a 4-fold increase in serum HI titer over baseline to ≥1:40, following vaccination. The primary immunogenicity analyses were performed on the According-to-Protocol (ATP) cohort which included all eligible and evaluable subjects with results of at least one serological assay. For each of the influenza antigens, the GMTs and the percentage of subjects who achieved seroconversion are presented in Table 7. FLUARIX was non-inferior to the comparator influenza vaccine based on antibody GMTs (upper limit of the 2-sided 95% CI for the GMT ratio [comparator influenza vaccine/FLUARIX] ≤1.5) and seroconversion rates (upper limit of the 2-sided 95% CI on difference of the comparator influenza vaccine minus FLUARIX ≤10%).
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Comparator influenza vaccine manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur SA.
ATP = according‑to‑protocol; GMT = geometric mean antibody titer; CI = Confidence Interval;
H1 = A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1); H3 = A/New York/55/2004 (H3N2) for FLUARIX and A/California/7/2004 (H3N2) for comparator influenza vaccine; B = B/Jiangsu/10/2003.
ATP cohort included all eligible and evaluable subjects with results of at least one serological assay.
a NCT00197288.
bSeroconversion defined as at least a 4-fold increase in serum titers of HI antibodies to ≥1:40.
Children: The immune response of FLUARIX was compared to FLUZONE, a US‑licensed trivalent, inactivated influenza virus vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur SA), in a single-blind, randomized study in a subset of children 6 months through 4 years of age (Study 005). The immune responses to each of the antigens contained in FLUARIX formulated for the 2006-2007 season were evaluated in sera obtained after 1 or 2 doses of FLUARIX (N = 426) and were compared to those following administration of the comparator influenza vaccine (N = 445). Further details on the clinical study design and demographic information have been previously described [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Non-inferiority of the immune response for FLUARIX to comparator influenza vaccine for subjects 6 months through 4 years of age was not demonstrated mainly due to lower antibody response to FLUARIX compared to the comparator influenza vaccine in subjects 6 months through 35 months of age. In subjects 3 years through 4 years of age, FLUARIX met at least one of the pre-specified criteria for demonstration of non-inferiority (GMT and seroconversion rate) for the influenza A strains but not for the influenza B strain. Seroconversion rates and the percentage of subjects with HI titers ≥1:40 were analyzed as secondary endpoints. In subjects 3 years through 4 years of age, the lower limit of the 95% Confidence Interval of the seroconversion rate for FLUARIX or the comparator influenza vaccine exceeded 40% for all 3 strains; also in this age group, the lower limit of the 95% Confidence Interval of the rate with HI titer ≥1:40 for FLUARIX or the comparator influenza vaccine exceeded 70% for both A strains (Table 8).
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FLUARIXb % (95% CI) |
Comparator Influenza Vaccinec % (95% CI) |
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Pre-vaccination N = 220 |
Post-vaccination N = 220 |
Pre-vaccination N = 220 |
Post-vaccination N = 221 |
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17.3 (12.5, 22.9) |
81.8 (76.1, 86.7) |
20.5 (15.3, 26.4) |
85.5 (80.2, 89.9) |
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59.5 (52.7, 66.1) |
88.2 (83.2, 92.1) |
55.5 (48.6, 62.1) |
93.7 (89.6, 96.5) |
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13.6 (9.4, 18.9) |
55.0 (48.2, 61.7) |
11.8 (7.9, 16.8) |
58.4 (51.6, 64.9) |
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Post-vaccination |
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72.7 (66.3, 78.5) |
72.3 (65.9, 78.1) |
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70.9 (64.4, 76.8) |
70.5 (64.0, 76.4) |
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53.2 (46.4, 59.9) |
55.5 (48.6, 62.1) |
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HI = hemagglutination inhibition; ATP = according-to-protocol; CI = Confidence Interval.
a NCT00383123.
b Results obtained following vaccination with FLUARIX manufactured for the 2006–2007 season.
c US‑ licensed trivalent, inactivated influenza virus vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur SA) without preservative manufactured for the 2006-2007 season.
d Seroconversion defined as at least a 4-fold increase in serum titers of HI antibodies to ≥1:40.
15 REFERENCES
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1. Hannoun C, Megas F, Piercy J. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of influenza vaccination. Virus Res. 2004;103:133-138. -
2. Hobson D, Curry RL, Beare AS, et al. The role of serum haemagglutination-inhibiting antibody in protection against challenge infection with influenza A2 and B viruses. J Hyg Camb. 1972;70:767-777. -
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 2010;59(RR‑8):1-62.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
FLUARIX is supplied in 0.5-mL single-dose prefilled TIP‑LOK syringes (packaged without needles).
NDC 58160-880-41 Syringe in Package of 10: NDC 58160-880-52
Store refrigerated between 2º and 8ºC (36º and 46ºF). Do not freeze. Discard if the vaccine has been frozen. Store in the original package to protect from light.
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Provide the following information to the vaccine recipient or guardian:
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• Inform of the potential benefits and risks of immunization with FLUARIX. -
• Educate regarding potential side effects, emphasizing that: (1) FLUARIX contains non‑infectious killed viruses and cannot cause influenza and (2) FLUARIX is intended to provide protection against illness due to influenza viruses only, and cannot provide protection against all respiratory illness. -
• Instruct to report any adverse events to their healthcare provider. -
• Inform that safety and efficacy have not been established in pregnant women. Register women who receive FLUARIX while pregnant in the pregnancy registry by calling 1-888-452-9622. -
• Give the Vaccine Information Statements, which are required by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 to be given prior to immunization. These materials are available free of charge at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov/vaccines). -
• Instruct that annual revaccination is recommended.
FLUARIX and TIP‑LOK are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. FLUZONE is a registered trademark of Sanofi Pasteur Limited. TRITON is a registered trademark of Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corp.
Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Dresden, Germany,
a branch of SmithKline Beecham Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, Germany
Licensed by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium, US License 1617
Distributed by GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
©2013, GlaxoSmithKline. All rights reserved.
FLX:16PI
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 58160-879-52
FLUARIX®
2012/2013 Formula
Influenza Virus Vaccine
Rx Only
10 Disposable Prefilled Tip-Lok® Syringes
each containing one 0.5 mL dose
Tip-Lok® Syringes are compatible
with Luer-Lok® Needles
For 3 Years of Age and Older
NEEDLES NOT INCLUDED
FOR INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION ONLY
GlaxoSmithKline
454677
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 58160-880-52
FLUARIX®
2013/2014 Formula
Influenza Virus Vaccine
Rx Only
10 Disposable Prefilled Tip-Lok® Syringes
each containing one 0.5 mL dose
Tip-Lok® Syringes are compatible
with Luer-Lok® Needles
For 3 Years of Age and Older
NEEDLES NOT INCLUDED
FOR INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION ONLY
©2013, GlaxoSmithKline
Rev. 2/13
460847
FLUARIXinfluenza virus vaccine SUSPENSION
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FLUARIXinfluenza virus vaccine SUSPENSION
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