Pronunciation: ma-nin-ja-KOK-al POL-ee-SAK-uh-ride dif-THEER-ee-a
Generic Name: Meningococcal (A, C, Y, W-135) Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine
Brand Name: Menactra
Menactra is used for:
Preventing meningococcal infection caused by a certain type of bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis) in patients 9 months through 55 years old.
Menactra is a vaccine. It works by causing your immune system to produce antibodies that help to prevent infection by certain meningococcal bacteria.
Do NOT use Menactra if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Menactra
- you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) to a prior meningococcal or diphtheria-containing vaccination
- you have bleeding problems (eg, hemophilia, low platelets) or take anticoagulants (eg, warfarin)
- you have a history of a certain type of nervous system problem (Guillain-Barré syndrome)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Menactra:
Some medical conditions may interact with Menactra. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances (eg, rubber latex)
- if you have immune system problems, or have recently had or are planning to have any other vaccinations
- if you have any infection or illness, or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Menactra. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Medicines that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), cancer chemotherapy (eg, methotrexate), or cyclosporine, because they may decrease Menactra's effectiveness
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Menactra may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Menactra:
Use Menactra as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Menactra is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
- Do not use Menactra if it has been frozen, contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
- If you miss a dose of Menactra, contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Menactra.
Important safety information:
- Menactra may not work as well in patients who have immune system problems or are taking medicine that suppresses the immune system, such as corticosteroids (eg, prednisone). Tell your doctor if you have any immune system problems or other illnesses.
- Menactra may not protect everyone who receives it. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Menactra should be used with extreme caution in patients older than 55 years; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
- Caution is advised when using Menactra in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness.
- Menactra is not approved for use in CHILDREN younger than 9 months; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Menactra can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Menactra while you are pregnant. It is not known if Menactra is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Menactra, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Menactra:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Chills; diarrhea; drowsiness; hardening, tenderness, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; headache; irritability; joint pain; loss of appetite; mild fever; tiredness; unusual crying; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); burning, numbness, or tingling; decreased reflexes; fainting; irregular heartbeat; loss of coordination; severe or persistent dizziness; trouble swallowing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness in the arms, legs, or facial muscles; wheezing.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Menactra side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Menactra:
Menactra is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Menactra at home, store Menactra as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Menactra, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Menactra is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Menactra. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Menactra resources
- Menactra Side Effects (in more detail)
- Menactra Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Menactra Drug Interactions
- Menactra Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Menactra - Add your own review/rating
- Menactra Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Menactra Consumer Overview
- Menveo Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Menveo Consumer Overview
Compare Menactra with other medications
- Meningococcal Meningitis Prophylaxis
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