What is Ixiaro?
Ixiaro is used as a preventative measure against Japanese encephalitis among adults and adolescents aged at least 17 years. The virus that causes Japanese encephalitis can be a very serious illness. In Asia, it is the most common cause of viral brain inflammation (encephalitis). Encephalitis occurs when the membrane surrounding the brain and the spinal cord is infected. The infection is usually mild, but prolonged swelling in the brain can lead to permanent brain damage or even death.
Mosquitoes are the carriers and spreaders of Japanese encephalitis. Ixiaro works by exposing your body to a small amount of virus. This causes it to develop immunity against the disease. Ixiaro will not treat a disease that is already active in the body. Ixiaro is recommended for people who travel to or live in areas where Japanese encephalitis has been reported or where there has been a recent epidemic.
Ixiaro and a booster dose should be administered at least one week before you travel to an area that may expose you to the virus. Ixiaro is not required for everyone travelling to Asia. You should follow your doctor's instructions or those of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ixiaro is recommended for those who work in research laboratories and are at risk of being exposed to Japanese encephalitis through needlestick injuries or airborne viral droplets. Ixiaro, like any other vaccine, may not protect everyone from disease.
Warnings
Ixiaro is administered in two shots. Usually, the shots are spaced 28 days apart. These guidelines may not apply to your individual booster schedule. You can follow the instructions of your doctor or the schedule set by the state health department. Ixiaro is recommended for adults and adolescents aged at least 17 who have a history of autoimmune disease.
Ixiaro should be taken by people who travel or live in areas where Japanese encephalitis has been reported or is suspected to exist. The vaccine and booster should be administered at least one week before you travel to an area that may expose you to the virus.
Ixiaro can also be recommended to people who are working in a laboratory where they may have been exposed to Japanese encephalitis through needlestick injuries or by inhaling viral droplets. Ixiaro is not as dangerous as Japanese encephalitis. Ixiaro, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are extremely low.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever experienced a severe allergic reaction to any Japanese encephalitis vaccine, Ixiaro should be avoided.
You may have to postpone or even cancel your vaccination if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
- A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- A weak immune system can be caused by a disease, certain medications, or cancer treatment.
If you are suffering from a minor cold, you can still get vaccinated. Wait until you are better before getting Ixiaro if you have a severe illness, such as a high fever or an infection.
Vaccines can be harmful to unborn babies and should generally not be administered to pregnant women. The baby could suffer more harm if the mother is infected by a disease, which the Ixiaro vaccination could prevent. You will be advised by your doctor whether or not you need to receive this vaccine. This is especially true if there is a high chance of you contracting Japanese encephalitis. If you are breastfeeding a child, do not take the Ixiaro vaccination without first consulting your doctor.
How to take Ixiaro?
Ixiaro injections are given into the muscle. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office. Ixiaro is administered in two shots. The shots are typically 28 days apart. These guidelines may not apply to your individual booster schedule. You can follow the instructions of your doctor or the schedule set by the health department in the state where you live.
Use mosquito nets around your bed, along with insect repellents and protective clothing, to prevent mosquito bites. These mosquitoes could transmit Japanese encephalitis.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are behind on your booster doses or have missed one, contact your doctor. The next dose should be administered as soon as you can. There is no need to start again.
Ixiaro should be taken at the full recommended dosage. If you don't receive the entire series, you may not be fully protected.
What happens if I overdose?
Ixiaro can be taken in excess, but it is rare.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Ixiaro
If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, you should not get a booster shot. You should keep track of all side effects that you experience after taking Ixiaro. You will need to inform your doctor of any side effects you experienced after receiving Ixiaro.
Infecting yourself with Japanese encephalitis poses a greater risk to your health than receiving the Ixiaro vaccination. Ixiaro, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are extremely low.
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Ixiaro may cause less serious side effects, such as:
- Headache, fatigue feeling
- Muscle pain, back pain;
- Low fever, chills, and flu symptoms
- Cold symptoms include a stuffy nose, a sore throat, and a cough.
- The itching and skin rash are mild.
- Nausea, diarrhoea,
- Pain, redness, or tenderness where the injection was made
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling (800) 822-7967.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about any other recent vaccines that you've received before receiving Ixiaro.
Tell your doctor if any of the following drugs or treatments have recently been administered to you:
- An oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable steroid medicine;
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Medications to treat psoriasis or autoimmune diseases, such as etanercept, leflunomide, and others, including azathioprine, etanercept, and azathioprine
- Medicines to treat or prevent organ rejection such as basiliximab, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, or Rapamune
Ixiaro may interact with other drugs not listed here. Inform your doctor of all the medications you take. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, and vitamin products. Never start a new medicine without consulting your doctor.
