Agriflu

Pronunciation: IN-floo-EN-za
Generic Name: Influenza Virus Vaccine
Brand Name: Agriflu

Agriflu is used for:

Protecting against certain strains of influenza (flu).

Agriflu is a vaccine. It works by stimulating the body to produce antibodies against certain types of the flu virus, which helps your body to fight the infection.

Do NOT use Agriflu if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Agriflu, including kanamycin, neomycin, eggs, or egg products


• 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 flu vaccination

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Agriflu:

Some medical conditions may interact with Agriflu. 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 (including rubber or latex)


• if you have a fever, cold, respiratory tract infection, or other infection or recent illness


• if you have asthma or other breathing problems, a nervous system disorder, or blood or bleeding problems (eg, hemophilia, low blood platelet levels)


• if you have cancer or immune system problems (eg, HIV, weakened immune system)


• if you are receiving radiation treatment or chemotherapy


• if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Agriflu. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding at the injection site may be increased


• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or other medicines that may weaken the immune system because they may decrease Agriflu's effectiveness. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may weaken the immune system


• Digoxin because its effectiveness may be decreased by Agriflu

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Agriflu 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 Agriflu:

Use Agriflu as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Agriflu is usually given once a year in September, October, or November.


• Agriflu is given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.


• Do not use Agriflu if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.


• If you miss a dose of Agriflu, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Agriflu.

Important safety information:

• If you have a fever, cold, respiratory tract infection, or other illness, contact your doctor before you receive Agriflu. You may need to receive your injection at a later time.


• Agriflu is not a cure for the flu. It must be given before you are exposed to the flu in order to be effective.


• Agriflu contains killed viruses. It cannot cause you to develop the flu.


• Agriflu is only effective for 1 flu season. You will need to receive the flu vaccine each year.


• Agriflu is not effective against all strains of the flu virus. It may also not protect everyone who receives it.


• Agriflu does not protect against other respiratory viruses.


• Tell your doctor if you will be receiving any other vaccines.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Agriflu before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Use Agriflu with caution in the ELDERLY; its effectiveness may be decreased in elderly patients.


• Agriflu should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Agriflu while you are pregnant. It is not known if Agriflu is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Agriflu, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Agriflu:

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; eye redness; fatigue; general body discomfort; headache; mild bruising, pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site; mild fever; muscle or joint aches or pain; nausea; sweating; tiredness.

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; unusual hoarseness); decreased movement of the face muscles; decreased movement or sensation in the arm or shoulder; dizziness; muscle weakness; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; seizures; severe or persistent headache or fever; vision changes; vomiting.

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: Agriflu 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 Agriflu:

Agriflu is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Agriflu at home, store Agriflu as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Agriflu, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Agriflu 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 Agriflu. 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.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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