Arexvy (Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pre-Fusion F Protein (Rsvpref3))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Arexvy Used For?
Arexvy is a vaccine that helps protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection. It’s specifically designed for adults who are at higher risk of serious RSV complications.
Primary Uses
Arexvy protects against RSV infection in adults over 60 years old and adults aged 50-59 who have increased risk of RSV disease. RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. While it usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, it can lead to serious respiratory illnesses like pneumonia in older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.
How It Works
The vaccine works by helping your body create antibodies and special white blood cells that reduce your chances of experiencing serious illness from RSV infection. It contains a protein from the RSV virus mixed with an adjuvant (a substance that improves your body’s response to the vaccine). Importantly, Arexvy does not contain the actual RSV virus and cannot cause lung infection.
Good to know: Arexvy does not contain the RSV virus itself and cannot cause lung infection. However, like all vaccines, it may not fully protect all people who are vaccinated.
How to Take Arexvy
Arexvy is given as a single injection by your doctor or nurse. You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the vaccination.
Dosage Instructions
Your healthcare provider will give you Arexvy as a single 0.5 mL injection into a muscle, usually in your upper arm. The vaccine is made by mixing two vials – one containing the RSV powder (which is white) and one containing the adjuvant suspension (an opalescent, colorless to pale brownish liquid).
Important: If you’re receiving multiple vaccines at the same time, each will be given at a different injection site.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Itching, pain, redness, or swelling at injection site
- Fever
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Runny nose
- Generally feeling unwell
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Swelling of lymph nodes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (swelling of limbs, face, eyes, inside of nose, mouth or throat; shortness of breath; breathing or swallowing difficulties; hives; severe skin reactions; unusual tiredness or weakness)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (tingling of hands or feet; sudden numbness or weakness in legs or arms; problems swallowing or breathing)
Important Warnings
Before receiving Arexvy, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current health status with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Arexvy
You should not receive Arexvy if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Always check the ingredient list to make sure you can safely use this vaccine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, lowered immunity, bleeding problems or bruise easily, take any medicines for other conditions, or currently have a severe infection with high temperature. Your doctor may decide to delay vaccination until you’re feeling better. A minor infection like a cold usually isn’t a reason to delay vaccination, but discuss this with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Arexvy is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, intending to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Fainting Risk: Fainting can occur following or even before any needle injection. Tell the person giving you the injection if you have ever fainted with a previous injection.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Arexvy and affect how it works. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking.
Important: Remind the person giving you the vaccination about all medicines you’re taking, even if you’re not sure whether they affect Arexvy.
- Any prescription medicines you’re currently taking
- Vitamins or supplements bought without prescription
- Over-the-counter medicines from pharmacy, supermarket, or health food shop
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful about driving or using machinery after receiving Arexvy until you know how it affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Arexvy affects you. You should not drive or use machines if you are feeling unwell after vaccination.
Storage
Arexvy will normally be stored at your doctor’s surgery or pharmacy. If you need to store it yourself, keep it in the original pack to protect it from light. Store in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have been given too much Arexvy, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source material doesn’t specify the duration of protection. Discuss with your healthcare provider about when you might need future vaccinations.
Yes, if Arexvy is given at the same time as another vaccine, a different injection site will be used for each injection.
Most side effects are minor and temporary. However, if you experience signs of allergic reaction or Guillain-Barré syndrome, go to the Emergency Department immediately. For other concerning symptoms, speak to your doctor.
No, Arexvy does not contain the RSV virus and cannot cause lung infection or give you RSV.
Like all vaccines, Arexvy may not fully protect all people who are vaccinated. However, it helps reduce your chances of experiencing serious illness due to RSV infection.
A minor infection such as a cold is not usually a reason to delay vaccination, but talk to your doctor about this before being vaccinated. If you have a severe infection with high temperature, your doctor may decide to delay vaccination until you’re better.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is very rare, with an estimated 7 excess cases per million doses administered as observed in a US study of people aged 65 years and older. This event has not been definitively linked to Arexvy use.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.