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Overview: Penbraya is used to prevent serious infections like meningitis caused by certain types of Neisseria meningitidis. It works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against 5 types of this bacteria. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling near the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, and chills. The vaccine is available as a liquid that is injected into a muscle by a health care provider.

Uses

What is Penbraya used for?

Penbraya (meningococcal ABCWY vaccine) is a meningitis vaccine commonly used to help prevent  meningococcal disease like meningococcal meningitis caused by five types of Neisseria meningitidis. 

See also: Penmenvy, Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine and Meningococcal B Vaccine

Penbraya may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Penbraya work (mechanism of action)?

Penbraya works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against certain groups of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria (A, B, C, W, and Y) that cause meningitis and other serious infections. If you have antibodies against these bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help prevent you from getting sick.

How should I store Penbraya?

The vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Penbraya?

The most common side effects of Penbraya are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, redness, or swelling near the injection site
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Chills

There may be other side effects of Penbraya that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at https://vaers.hhs.gov or by calling 800-822-7967. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Penbraya?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Penbraya are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Penbrayamay cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Penbraya?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive Penbraya.

  • Meningococcal groups A, B, C, W, and Y vaccine
  • Meningococcal ABCWY pentavalent vaccine
  • MenABCWY
  • Penbraya

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Penbraya.

What should I know about Penbraya before using it?

Penbraya is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

The risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving the vaccine. Your health care provider may want to watch you during this time to ensure your safety.

Make sure that you or your child gets all doses of Penbraya that your health care provider recommends. Penbraya helps protect you from serious infections caused by five types of a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The vaccine will not give you or your child disease caused by these bacteria.

A vaccine information sheet should be provided by your health care provider to you before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Penbraya?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Penbraya is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Fever or recent illness
  • A reaction to a previous vaccine, including fainting or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or use medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system, such as radiation or chemotherapy
  • Immune system problem, such as a complement deficiency

Pregnancy.  It is not known if or how Penbraya could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you get Penbraya when you are pregnant, you can enroll in a pregnancy registry by calling 877-390-2953. This registry collects safety information about the use of Penbraya during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Penbraya passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should get the vaccine while breastfeeding. 

How can I get more information about Penbraya?

For more information about Penbraya, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.pfizermedical.com/patient/penbraya or call them at 800-438-1985.

Interactions

Does Penbraya interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between the vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Penbraya.

Does Penbraya interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Penbraya and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Penbraya?

Penbraya is given by a healthcare provider. Keep a record of all vaccines you receive and share it with your healthcare provider. 

What should I do if I miss a dose of Penbraya?

If you miss an appointment for Penbraya, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. It is important to follow the vaccine schedule recommended by your health care provider.