PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER

Daronrix, suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe

Pandemic influenza vaccine (whole virion, inactivated, adjuvanted)

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start receiving this vaccine.

Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This vaccine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

In this leaflet:
1. What Daronrix is and what it is used for
2. Before you receive Daronrix
3. How Daronrix is given
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Daronrix
6. Further information
1. WHAT DARONRIX IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
  
  Daronrix is a vaccine used in adults aged 18 to 60 years to prevent influenza (flu) in an officially declared pandemic. The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.
  
  Pandemic flu is a type of influenza that occurs every few decades and which spreads rapidly to affect most countries and regions around the world. The symptoms of pandemic flu are similar to those of “ordinary” flu but are usually more severe.
2. BEFORE YOU RECEIVE DARONRIX
  
  Daronrix should not be given:
  - if you have previously had any allergic reaction to Daronrix, or any ingredient (including eggs, chicken protein, gentamicin sulphate (antibiotic)) contained in this vaccine. The active substances and other ingredients in Daronrix are listed at the end of the leaflet. Signs of an allergic reaction may include itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue. However, in a pandemic situation, it may be appropriate to give the vaccine, provided that facilities for resuscitation are immediately available in case of need.
    
    Take special care with Daronrix:
  - if you have a severe infection with a high temperature (over 38°C). A minor infection such as a cold should not be a problem, but talk to your doctor first.
  Using other medicines
  Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or have recently received any other vaccine.
  If you take any medicines that reduce immunity to infections or have any other type of treatment (such as radiotherapy) that affects the immune system, Daronrix can still be given but your response to the
  vaccine may be poor.
  
  Pregnancy and breast-feeding
  There is no information on the use of Daronrix in pregnant women. Your doctor needs to assess the benefits and potential risks of giving you the vaccine if you are pregnant. Please tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
  
  Daronrix may be used during lactation.
  
  Driving and using machines
  After administration of Daronrix, it is unlikely that side effects would unable you to drive or use machines.
  
  Important information about some of the ingredients of Daronrix
  Thiomersal (preservative) is present in this product, and it is possible that you may experience an allergic reaction.
3. HOW IS DARONRIX GIVEN
  
  Adults from the age of 18 to 60 years will receive two injections of Daronrix, the first injection will be administered at an elected date, the second at least three weeks after the first injection.
  
  There is no information on the use of Daronrix below 18 years of age. Your doctor needs to assess the benefits and potential risks of giving you the vaccine if you are below the age of 18 years.
  
  The doctor will give Daronrix as an injection into your upper arm muscle. The vaccine should never be given into a vein.
  If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
  
  Like all medicines, Daronrix can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
  - Very common (more than 1 per 10 doses of vaccine):
    - Headache
    - Fatigue
    - Pain and redness at the injection site
  - Common (less than 1 per 10 but more than 1 per 100 doses of vaccine):
    - Increased sweating, bruising
    - Aching muscles, joint pain
    - Swelling at the injection site, hard lump
    - Shivering, fever
  - Uncommon (less than 1 per 100 but more than 1 per 1000 doses of vaccine):
    - Sore nose and throat and discomfort when swallowing, runny nose
    - Itching at the injection site
      
      These reactions usually disappear within 1-2 days without treatment.
      Other side effects which have occurred in the days or weeks after vaccination with ordinary flu vaccines include:
  - Uncommon (less than 1 per 100 but more than 1 per 1000 doses of vaccine):
    - Generalised skin reactions such as itching, hives or rash
  - Rare (less than 1 per 1000 but more than 1 per 10,000 doses of vaccine):
    - Severe stabbing or throbbing pain along one or more nerves
    - Pins and needles
    - Fits
    - Low blood platelet count
    - Allergic reactions leading to a dangerous decrease of blood pressure, which, if untreated, may lead to collapse, coma and death
  - Very rare (less than 1 per 10,000 doses of vaccine):
    - Narrowing or blockage of blood vessels with kidney problems
    - Inflammation of the brain and spinal column
    - Painful swelling in the arms or legs
    - Temporary inflammation of the nerves, causing pain, weakness and paralysis in the extremities and often progressing to the chest and face.
  Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. It is possible that you have no side effects from vaccination.
  
  If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. HOW TO STORE DARONRIX
  
  Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
  
  Do not use Daronrix after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  
  Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C).
  Store in the original package in order to protect from light. Do not freeze.
  
  Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
What Daronrix contains
The active substances are:
Whole virion influenza vaccine of pandemic strain, inactivated, containing antigen* equivalent to:

A/Vietnam/1194/2004 (H5N1)*** 15 micrograms** per 0.5 ml dose

* propagated in eggs
** haemagglutinin
*** adjuvanted by aluminium phosphate 0.45 milligrams Al3+
and aluminium hydroxide, hydrated 0.05 milligrams Al3+
The other ingredients are: sodium chloride, disodium phosphate dodecahydrate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, thiomersal, water for injections

What Daronrix looks like and contents of the pack

Daronrix is a white, slightly milky liquid and is presented in a pre-filled syringe (0.5 ml) for 1 dose in pack sizes of 1 and 10 with or without needles

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.