Rotashield

Uses

Rotavirus vaccine containing live attenuated human rotavirus RIX4414 strain. This vaccine is presented as 1 ml vial for oral administration.

Rotavirus vaccine is used for the prevention of gastro-enteritis caused by rotavims, GI and non GI serotypes (such as G2, G3, G4, G9).

Rotashield is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Rotavirus Gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus G1, Rotavirus Gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus G2, Rotavirus Gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus G3, Rotavirus Gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus G4, Rotavirus Gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus G9

How Rotashield works

The exact mechanism specific to the rotavirus vaccines' interaction with the immune system is uncharacterized .

Dosage

Rotashield dosage

The vaccination course consists of two doses. The first dose may be administered from the age of 6 weeks. There should be an interval of at least 4 weeks between the dosages. The vaccination course should be completed by the age of 24 weeks. Lyophilised vaccine to be recostituted with a liquid diluent before oral administration. After reconstitution, 1 dose (1 ml) contains- live attenuated human rotavirus RIX4414 strain not less than 106 CCID50. Repeat dosing is not indicated if an infant should spit out, regurgitate or vomit during or after the administration of the vaccine. The vaccination course should be completed as recommended above. There are no restrictions on the infant's consumption of food or liquid, including breast-milk, either before or after vaccination.

Side Effects

In controlled clinical studies, the adverse reaction profile observed in the subjects receiving Rotavirus vaccine was similar to the adverse reaction profile observed in subjects receiving placebo. No increase in the incidence or severity of these reactions was seen with the second dose.

However, some adverse reactions considered as being at least possibly related to Rotavirus vaccine vaccination were reported. Very common areirritability, loss of appetite; common arediarrhoea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain, regurgitation of food, fever, fatigue; uncommon are- crying, sleep disorder, somnolence, constipation rare; upper respiratory tract infection hoarseness, rhinorrhoea, dermatitis, rash, muscle cramp; very rare- gastro-enteritis. In a large safety trial, subjects vaccinated with Rotavirus vaccine gave evidence of no increased risk of intussusception when compared with subjects receiving a placebo.

Toxicity

Rotavirus vaccine may produce severe diarrhea and vomiting as a result of rotavirus infection . Post marketing reports suggest an increased risk of intussusception with rotavirus vaccine but this is unsupported by clinical data.

Precaution

It is good clinical practice that vaccination should be preceded by a review of the medical history (especially with regard to previous vaccination and possible occurrence of undesirable events) and a clinical examination. Parents/ guardians should be advised to seek medical advice promptly where these signs/symptoms are evident. There is a potential risk for transmission to non-vaccinated contacts. It should be administered with caution to infants with close contacts who are immunodeficient, such as household members with malignancies or who are otherwise immunocompromised or receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Contacts of recent vaccinees should be advised to observe personal hygiene

Interaction

Rotavirus vaccine can be given concomitantly with any of the following administered either as monovalent or as combination vaccines: Diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis vaccine (DTPw), Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTPa), Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib). inactivated Polio vaccine (IPV), Hepatitis B vaccine and Pneumococcal vaccine.

Concomitant administration of Rotavirus vaccine and oral polio vaccine (OPV) does not affect the immune response to the polio antigens. Although concomitant administration of OPV may slightly reduce the immune response to rota virus vaccine there is currently no evidence that clinical protection against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis would be affected. The immune response to Rotavirus vaccine is unaffected when OPV is administered two weeks apart from Rotavirus vaccine. Effects on ability to drive and use machines- not applicable.

Half Life

The median duration of viral shedding was observed to be 10 days .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks

Contraindication

Subjects with history of intussusception. Subjects with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) disorder The presence of a minor infection, such as a cold, is not a contraindication for immunisation.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Rotashield