General

Pronunciation:
me-nin-go-kok-al groop B vax-seen

Trade Name(s)

• Bexsero
• Trumenba

Ther. Class.
vaccines/immunizing agents

Pharm. Class.
antigens

Indications

• Bexsero–Provides active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by 3 strains of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (strains prevalent in the US).
• Tremenba–Provides active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by 4 strains of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (strains prevalent in the US).

Action

Induces production of antibodies to several strains of serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

Prevention of invasive meningococcal disease.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed following IM administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (antibody response)

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

• Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose
• Latex allergy (Bexsero tip caps contain latex).

Use Cautiously in:

• Geri: Safe and effective use in patients >65 yr has not been established;
• Lactation: Use cautiously if breastfeeding;
• OB: Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed
• Pedi: Safe and effective use in children <10 yr not established (>90% risk of fever in infants <12 mo).

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CNS: fatigue, headache

GI: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting

Local: injection site reactions

MS: arthralgia, mylagia

Misc: allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, chills, fever, syncope

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Drug-Drug

Concurrent use of immunosuppressivesmay ↓ the desired immune response.

Route/Dosage

Bexsero

IM (Adults and Children) 10–25 yr) Two 0.5 mL doses one mo apart.

Trumenba

IM (Adults and Children) 10–25 yr) 0.5 mL followed by a second dose 2 mo later and a third dose 4 mo after the second dose.

Availability

Suspension for IM injection (Bexsero tip caps contain latex): 0.5 mL in pre-filled syringes

Assessment

• Monitor for signs and symptoms of allergic reaction (dyspnea, rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, or throat). Keep epinephrine, an antihistamine, and resuscitation equipment close by in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
• Assess for latex allergy. Bexsero tip cap contains latex.
• Assess for syncope. Make patient is sitting or lying down during and immediately following injections.

Potential Diagnoses

• Risk for infection (Indications)

Implementation

• IM Shake syringe vigorously for a homogenous white suspension; do not use if solution has separated, discolored, or contains particulate matter. Administer 0.5 mL IM into deltoid muscle of upper arm. Do not mix with other vaccines in same syringe.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Explain purpose of vaccine to patient/parent. Emphasize need for 2 doses of immunization series for Bexseroor 3 doses for Tremenba.
• Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Prevention of invasive meningococcal disease including meningitis.