FluMist

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

FluMist is used for:

Protecting against certain strains of influenza (flu).

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

Do NOT use FluMist if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in FluMist, including eggs, egg products, gelatin, arginine, or gentamicin


• 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


• you have asthma or active wheezing


• the patient is a child younger than 5 years old with a history of wheezing


• the patient is a child or teenager who is also taking a medicine that contains aspirin or another salicylate

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

Before using FluMist:

Some medical conditions may interact with FluMist. 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


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


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


• if you have heart, kidney, or lung problems; diabetes; 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 FluMist. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Antiviral medicines (eg, amantadine, oseltamivir, rimantadine, zanamivir), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), or medicines that weaken the immune system because they may decrease FluMist's effectiveness; talk with your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may weaken the immune system

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

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

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


• FluMist is given as a nasal spray at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.


• If you have been taking an antiviral medicine to prevent or treat the flu (eg, amantadine, oseltamivir, rimantadine), do not use FluMist for at least 48 hours after treatment with the antiviral medicine has stopped. Do not take antiviral medicines for at least 2 weeks after you use FluMist, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.


• Some children may need to receive more than one dose of FluMist. Tell your doctor if your child has previously received a flu vaccine. Be sure to follow the vaccination schedule provided by your doctor.


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

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

Important safety information:

• You may "shed" the flu virus for a period of time after receiving FluMist. If you will be in close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system, talk with your doctor. You may need to avoid contact with certain people who have a weakened immune system for a period of time after you take FluMist.


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


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


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


• FluMist does not protect against other respiratory viruses.


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


• FluMist is not approved for use in patients over 49 years old.


• Caution is advised when using FluMist in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially fever, stomach pain, or ear infection.


• FluMist should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; the risk of wheezing and hospitalizations may be increased in these children.


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

Possible side effects of FluMist:

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; cough; decreased appetite; headache; mild fever (in children); muscle aches; runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; stomach pain; tiredness or 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, throat, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); decreased movement of the face muscles; ear pain; irritability; muscle weakness; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; severe or persistent headache, fever, or chills; symptoms of meningitis (eg, mental or mood changes, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light, severe headache, stiff neck); symptoms of pericarditis (eg, chest pain, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, tiredness, weakness); 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.

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 FluMist:

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

General information:

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


• FluMist 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 FluMist. 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.