Rotarix

What is Rotarix?

Rotarix can contain up to five strains of rotavirus. The product is made both from human and animal origins. A rotavirus infection can cause severe stomach or intestinal illnesses in babies and young children. The Rotarix oral vaccination is used to prevent this disease among children. Rotarix is a vaccine that works by exposing the child to a tiny dose of the virus. This causes the body to develop immunity against the disease. This vaccine does not treat active infections that have already occurred in the body. Rotarix can be used in children aged between 6 weeks and 24 weeks. The first doses should be given to infants as early as 6 weeks. The interval between the first dose and the second should be at least four weeks. By 24 weeks, the 2-dose course should be complete. Rotarix, like any vaccine, may not protect everyone from disease.

Warnings

If your child has severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), he or she should not be given Rotarix. The vaccine should not be given to a child who has a history of intussusception, an intestinal disorder.

Before you take this drug

If your child has had an intussusception or blockage of the intestines (as a result of the rotavirus vaccine) or has severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), then they should not be given Rotarix.

If you have any of the following conditions, Rotarix might need to be delayed or even not given.

• Hiv
• A stomach infection or diarrhea is currently present.
• A congenital stomach condition or recent stomach surgery
• Cancer, leukemia, or any other blood disease.
• If the child recently received drugs that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, medicines for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, or medicines to prevent rejection of organ transplants, chemotherapy, or radiation),
• If the child recently received a transfusion,
• If a child has an allergy to latex, testing should be performed on him/her to identify possible triggers for any allergic reactions.

You can still give a vaccination to your child if they have a minor cold. If your child has a severe illness, such as a high fever or an infection of any kind, you should wait to give Rotarix until they are better. Tell the doctor if anyone living with or caring for the child has cancer or a weak immune system or is receiving radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids.

Similar/related drugs

Doxycycline, Ceftriaxone, Ampicillin, Rocephin, Vibramycin, Monodox, and Rotavirus Vaccine

How to take Rotarix?

You will give Rotarix to your child in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's practice. Rotarix comes as a liquid that is taken orally (by mouth). Rotarix comes in two doses. The first dose is usually given at 6 weeks of age. The second dose should be given no later than 4 weeks following the first dose, but not before the child has reached 24 weeks. The booster schedule for your child may differ from the guidelines. You can follow the instructions of your doctor or the schedule set by your local health department. If your child vomits or spits within one or two hours of receiving this dose, tell your doctor. If your child vomits or spits up within 1 to 2 hours after receiving this vaccine, you may need to give them a second dose in order to protect him or her against rotavirus.

Hands should always be washed after handling diapers from a child that has received Rotarix. The virus can be found in small amounts in the stool of the child and infect anyone who comes into contact with it.

Details on dosage

The usual pediatric dose for gastroenteritis:

Orally, 1 mL for 2 doses administered at least four weeks apart

Comments:

Rotarix is administered starting at six weeks old. The two-dose series should be completed within 24 weeks.
A single dose of replacement may be given at the same appointment if the infant regurgitates or spits the majority of the dose.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If your child is behind on their booster doses or falls behind schedule, contact your doctor. Ensure your child gets all the recommended doses.

What happens if I overdose?

It is very unlikely that Rotarix will be taken in excess.

What should be avoided?

The child should not come into contact with people who have a weak immune response for up to 15 days after receiving the rotavirus vaccine. The virus can be transmitted from the child to another person. Do not receive the same dose of Rotarix from different clinics or doctors. All doses of the rotavirus oral vaccination should be administered by the same brand. The dosing and booster schedules of different brands may differ.

Side effects of Rotarix

If you experience any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking Rotarix, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue. If your child had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening after the initial shot, then a booster should not be given. Keep track of all side effects that your child experiences after receiving Rotarix. You will need to inform the doctor of any side effects that occur after the first shot. Intussusception is a possible side effect of Rotarix. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your child experience severe abdominal pain, diarrhea that is severe or persistent, nausea, or bloody stools. Rotarix is not as dangerous for your child's wellbeing as rotavirus. Like any medication, Rotarix can have side effects, but the chances of them being serious are extremely low.

Call the doctor immediately if your child is suffering from:

• A seizure;
• Ear pain, drainage of the ear
• Chest pain, wheezing, and feeling short of breath
• Pain or burning when urinating;
• High fever, redness or swelling of the hands or face, a rash that peels off, chapped lips or skin

Rotarix may cause side effects such as:

• Ear infection
• Loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Fever;
• Coughing or wheezing is a common symptom of asthma.
• runny nose, sore throat

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 all the vaccines that your child has had before receiving Rotarix.

Tell your doctor if your child has recently received any drugs or treatments that can weaken their immune system.

• Steroid medicine;
• Cancer treatments
• Medicine to prevent or treat malaria
• If you have psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any other autoimmune disorder, then these medications may be for you.
• Medicines to prevent or treat organ rejection

You may have to wait for your child to finish the treatment before he or she can receive the vaccine if he or she is taking any of these medicines. This list is incomplete. Rotarix may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.