Varilrix is a drug produced by the manufacturer in the form of a preventive vaccine from chickenpox. Disease usually occurs in an acute form and is one of the most contagious.
In most cases, chickenpox is diagnosed in patients aged 1 to 15 years. It is believed and confirmed in practice that adults are much more difficult to tolerate symptoms, and complications are much more common than in children.
Record content:
- 1 Indications for use
- 2 Compound
- 3 In what form is it produced
- 4 Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
-
5 Vaccination schedule
- 5.1 For children under 18
- 5.2 For adults
- 5.3 For pregnant
- 5.4 For the elderly
- 6 Contraindications
- 7 Overdose
- 8 Side effects
- 9 Drug interactions
- 10 Storage conditions and periods
- 11 Conditions of dispensing from pharmacies
- 12 Analogs
- 13 Varilrix vaccine video
Indications for use
Chickenpox can only be controlled by immunoprophylaxis. The virus is capable of not manifesting itself for a long time, already existing in the body of an infected person. But when favorable conditions are created, it suddenly activates, and the symptoms grow very quickly.
Indications for the use of the vaccine:
- upcoming contact with sick people;
- prevention of chickenpox in children from 1 year old;
- admission to kindergarten or school.
Separate categories of people in need of preventive protection against many diseases:
- people with systemic blood diseases;
- before organ and tissue transplantation;
- having kidney or liver disease;
- taking immunosuppressants;
- undergoing radiation therapy.
Varilrix is a chickenpox vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence rate. Vaccinations are recommended not only for those people who were in close contact with a sick person, but also for the usual prevention of infection in the future.
Compound
The vaccine is manufactured by the British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. The mechanism of action is based on the vital activity of attenuated (weakened) viral particles Varicella zoster (Oka strain) isolated by propagation in the environment of diploid human cells class MRC-5. Quantity in 1 inoculation dose of 0.5 ml - ≥103.3 pfu (plaque-forming units).
Additional components:
- serum albumin - 1 mg;
- neomycin sulfate - <25 mcg;
- amino acid mixture - 8 mg;
- milk sugar - 32 mg;
- mannitol - 8 mg;
- sorbitol - 6 mg.
The preparation contains 0.5 ml of sterile liquid as a solvent. The specified amount of virus is guaranteed at the end of the expiration date. In order to compensate for the loss of titer, the manufacturer deliberately introduces an excess of ≥103.7 pfu.
This does not in any way affect the results of vaccination and the severity of associated symptoms. The vaccine does not contain preservatives. The drug meets all WHO requirements for the production of immunobiology drugs.
In what form is it produced
Varilrix vaccine for chickenpox is a homogeneous mass in the form of a yellow powder. The solvent is a colorless transparent liquid.
Each package contains:
- 1 syringe with solvent;
- 1 bottle of vaccine;
- 2 needles for insertion.
One needle is intended for preparation of the solution, the second - directly for the introduction.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The attenuated virus is a highly weakened particle, but at the same time alive. Its introduction into the human body causes the synthesis of antibodies that provide specific protection against the multiplication and spread of infection through organs and tissues. Some effectiveness is achieved if contact with an infected carrier has already occurred, but after that no more than 3 days have passed.
Almost all subjects aged 9 months to 12 years, after 1.5 months, the titer of protective antibodies was determined, the amount of which remained stable for at least another 7 years after the administration of the vaccine.
A single injection effectively prevents 81% of chickenpox-related emergency hospitalizations and 87% of home visits. The introduction of 2 doses almost completely eliminates the risk of viruses multiplying in the body.
Also, clinical studies have shown that children and adults after the completion of all specified periods in case of infection have had chickenpox in a much milder form with fewer rashes and no fever body.
Vaccination schedule
Important note - Varilrix cannot be administered intravenously, intradermally or intramuscularly. The only option for the drug is subcutaneously into the deltoid muscle of the shoulder from the outside. Before the introduction, you need to prepare all the necessary tools and wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.
Varilrix is a chickenpox vaccine available in 2 types. The difference is in the way the needle is connected to the syringe nozzle. Dilution of the type 2 drug should be carried out according to the scheme below, but the needle must be put on until it stops without additional winding.
Dilution of type 1 solution:
- at the beginning, you need to unscrew the protective cap of the syringe counterclockwise;
- in this case, any contact with the piston should be avoided;
- then you will need to attach the needle to the syringe until it clicks;
- the cork of the bottle must be treated with an alcohol swab;
- insert a needle into it and squeeze the liquid into the bottle;
- then you need to give time to achieve full homogeneity (about 3 minutes);
- immediately after the end of this period, the solution must be injected under the skin;
- to do this, use the 2 needle included in the kit;
- it must be inserted into the cork and the finished mixture removed.
- the injection area must be wiped with an alcohol swab.
All its remnants must dry completely, otherwise there will be a risk of inactivation of the vaccine viruses that make up the composition. The solution should be administered according to the standard regimen recommended for subcutaneous vaccines.
Routine prophylaxis - 1 dose (0.5 ml) 2 times with an interval of 6 weeks.
For children under 18
Emergency prophylaxis - 1 dose (0.5 ml) once during the first 4 days.
Double vaccination is recommended for children over 13 years old with a break of 1.5 months. In this case, it is possible to achieve a more stable immunity against the chickenpox virus. Comparative studies have shown that the effectiveness after administration according to this scheme increased 5 times.
For adults
In the case of chickenpox infection, an adult can face complications such as encephalitis, liver disease, meningitis, pneumonia and other serious illnesses.
Their frequency reaches 50% among all cases of infection. The introduction of the vaccine allows the body to start the production of specific antibodies, the activity of which remains at a sufficient level for the next 20-30 years.
For pregnant
In addition to the severity of the course of the disease and the remaining consequences for life, chickenpox is especially dangerous if a pregnant woman becomes infected in the 1st trimester. Further periods are not accompanied by a great danger of the formation of defects in the fetus.
With the conscious planning of a future pregnancy and the absence of immunity vaccinated in childhood, a woman is advised to prevent all possible complications in advance.
For the elderly
Most often, the disease develops against the background of a weakened immune system, therefore, elderly people are especially at risk of infection. This usually happens after contact with their own grandchildren.
Chickenpox rarely reoccurs in one person. But over the years, the risk increases slightly. Therefore, if possible, with the appearance of grandchildren, it is recommended to protect the organisms of elderly grandparents. The mode of administration in this case is the same as recommended for other age groups.
Contraindications
Varilrix is a chickenpox vaccine, which is prohibited in some conditions:
- period of childbearing and breastfeeding;
- before and after surgical interventions;
- with the possible occurrence of allergic reactions;
- serious mental and neurological disorders;
- during the acute stages of any disease;
- bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, etc.
People with cancer should also not be exposed to live viruses from the vaccine. Any types of immunoglobulins, which are often used for treatment, immediately inactivate the vaccine, there will be no positive result in this case.
Overdose
Some facts of accidental overdoses have been registered. Some of them contain information about the occurrence of seizures, lethargy and lethargic sleep.
Side effects
Both adults and children usually tolerate immunization with Varilrix well.
Of the possible side effects, the following symptoms were noted:
- inflammatory reactions at the injection site;
- increased body temperature.
Reactions of this type do not require specific therapy and disappear on their own after a while. With the severity of the symptoms, it is allowed to take antipyretic and antihistamines.
Like all other drugs, injections of immunological solutions to inoculate sources of infection can provoke the development of anaphylactic shock.
This condition is characterized by the immediate appearance and rapid onset of certain symptoms:
- a pronounced local reaction in the area of solution administration;
- swelling, redness, severe itching, palpable throughout the body;
- a rapid drop in blood pressure below normal.
Immediately after the onset of the first symptoms, the development of severe laryngeal edema, spasms in the bronchi and throat begins, which lead to a lack of breathing and oxygen. The skin begins to turn pale, the lips and mucous membranes become bluish. Collapse develops - the patient loses consciousness.
The most important danger in anaphylactic shock is the rapid increase in complex and dangerous symptoms. As a result, the victim may die within a few minutes.
The first and most important measure to save a person's life is intravenous administration of up to 0.5 ml of 0.1% adrenaline, dissolved in 10-20 ml of saline. In the case of increasing respiratory failure, an urgent start of intubation is required.
This and other techniques can only be performed by highly qualified specialists. Even a small overdose of adrenaline can aggravate the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and hasten the death of the victim.
It is because of this risk that both children and adults should always stay in a medical facility for at least 30 minutes after the administration of immunoprophylactic vaccines. In the case of young and immature children, it is always advisable to increase this period of time to the maximum possible.
You should always remember that the child's body is especially vulnerable to such sudden changes. Symptoms can grow in a few minutes, which, without urgent assistance, will inevitably lead to the death of the injured baby.
If any suspicious symptoms appear, you should seek immediate medical attention from workers. In this case, the patient's chances of survival will be high enough.
Drug interactions
A period of at least 3 months must be maintained between the administration of the vaccine and the immunoglobulins. You should also avoid using salicylates for 1.5 months after vaccination to avoid the risk of Reye's syndrome.
The drug may be administered simultaneously with additional inactivated solutions of the national vaccination calendar of Russia, excluding rabies drugs.
A complex mixture for measles, rubella and mumps can be combined with Varilrix or extended in time for a period of at least 1 month. All other vaccines are not recommended to be administered with it, the break should be at least 30 days.
Storage conditions and periods
Varilrix is a chickenpox vaccine that requires strict adherence to the recommended storage conditions. The temperature should not exceed 8 ° C.Freezing is also not allowed. These conditions should be adhered to during transportation.
Shelf life - 2 years from the date of production. After the end of this period, the use of the drug is prohibited.
Conditions of dispensing from pharmacies
Varilrix is a prescription drug, but does not require a strict form from a doctor.
Analogs
Chickenpox vaccines have been massively and on a mandatory basis given to people in Europe, the USA, and Japan for more than 20 years. In Russia, this procedure has not yet been included in the list of the vaccination calendar. This is largely the result of a rather expensive cost. The price of 1 package with a full course is about 2500 rubles. If necessary, Varilrix can be replaced with the following Okovax product.
The drug is manufactured in Japan by the Infectious Disease Research Foundation of Osaka University. The kit also includes a base for subcutaneous administration complete with a solvent - sterile water. 1 dose of 0.5 ml contains several components.
| Component name | Weight |
| Active substance | |
| Varicella Zoster virus (OKA strain) live weakened | 1,000 battle |
| Supporting components | |
| NaCl | 1.14 mg |
| KCl | 0.03 mg |
| K dihydrogen phosphate | 0.29 mg |
| Na hydrogen phosphate | 3.14 mg |
| Sugar | 25.0 mg |
| Glutamate Na | 0.36 mg |
| Kanamycin | ≤ 7 μg |
| Erythromycin | ≤ 2 μg |
| Sterile water | Up to 0.5 ml |
The preparation does not contain preservatives.
Okovax vaccine is recommended for routine and urgent prevention of chickenpox infection in children from the age of 1 year and adults who have not had it before.
Vaccination is especially indicated for persons living and staying in closed collectives:
- military units;
- hospitals;
- hostels;
- boarding schools.
Okovax also showed high efficiency in cases of emergency prophylaxis after contact with a sick person. Previously, according to the instructions, a single administration was recommended. Later it was revised, and now the drug is recommended to be administered twice by analogy with Varilrix.
Contraindications:
- anaphylactic shock or severe allergies after the initial administration of this vaccine or any component from its composition;
- primary or secondary immunodeficiency with leukocyte count <1200 cells / μl.
Temporarily, the vaccine is contraindicated in persons with fever, ARVI, intestinal and other infections until complete recovery. The recommended time interval between the disappearance of all symptoms and the introduction of the drug is 2-4 weeks.
In case of complex diseases of the nervous system, for example, bacterial meningitis, the procedure should be postponed for a longer period, up to 6 months after the stabilization of the body's condition.
Varilrix, despite its shortcomings, is a fairly safe vaccine against chickenpox. The risk described above should not be feared. You can always avoid negative consequences if you approach the issue of immunization competently and thoughtfully.
Article design: Vladimir the Great
Varilrix vaccine video
About Varilrix for chickenpox:
