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Overview: Ixchiq is a vaccine that helps protect against chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquitoes. It works by preparing your immune system to fight the virus if you are bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common side effect is soreness where the shot is given. Tell your health care provider if you have muscle pain, joint pain, tiredness, or headache that is either severe or lasts more than a few days. Ixchiq is given by a health care provider as an injection into a muscle and may be recommended if you are going to certain areas in the world.

Uses

What is Ixchiq used for?

Ixchiq (chikungunya vaccine, live) is commonly given to certain people who are at risk for chikungunya, which is a virus spread by infected mosquitoes.

How does Ixchiq work (mechanism of action)?

Ixchiq contains a weakened form of the live chikungunya virus. It triggers your immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the chikungunya virus. These antibodies can help protect you from getting sick if you are bitten by an infected mosquito.

How should I store Ixchiq?

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

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ixchiq?

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

  • Pain or tenderness near the injection site
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Fever
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of Ixchiq 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 www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). 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 Ixchiq?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ixchiq may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get 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

Severe Chikungunya-like Reactions. Ixchiq may cause side effects that are similar to symptoms of chikungunya virus disease, such as tiredness, headache, and muscle or joint pain. These side effects can last for weeks or longer and may be severe. A small number of people have had to go to the hospital for medical care. Tell your health care provider if you get any unusual, severe, or prolonged symptoms after receiving Ixchiq.  

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ixchiq?

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

  • Ixchiq
  • Chikungunya vaccine live
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product 

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Ixchiq.

Weakened Immune System. Ixchiq should not be given to people who have a weakened immune system or who are immunocompromised due to a health condition or a medicine. This includes people who are receiving high doses of steroids or who are being treated with certain types of chemotherapy. There is a risk that live vaccines could cause infection in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system. 

What should I know about Ixchiq before receiving it?

Ixchiq is a shot that is given by a health care provider. It is injected into a muscle. 

Ixchiq can cause a drop in white blood cells, which help your body fight infections. This usually happens within the first week after getting the vaccine. White blood cell levels usually go back to normal within about a month.

Ixchiq may not fully protect everyone from getting chikungunya, and it does not prevent other diseases that can be spread by mosquitoes. Even after getting this vaccine, it is still important to protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves, using bug spray, and sleeping under a mosquito net if outside or in a room with open windows and no window screens.

Your immune system may not work as well as you age. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are an older person.

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

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 Ixchiq 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 higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
  • Cancer
  • HIV
  • A bleeding disorder
  • Any health condition or treatment that weakens your immune system

Reactions to Vaccines. Before getting Ixchiq, tell your health care provider if you have had an allergic reaction to any vaccine. Also let them know if you have had any other serious reactions, such as fainting, after receiving any vaccines in the past.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ixchiq may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before getting Ixchiq, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also make sure that you discuss if you plan to get Ixchiq at the same time as other vaccines. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Ixchiq could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should receive Ixchiq while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

If you receive Ixchiq during pregnancy, or if you become pregnant around the time of getting the Ixchiq vaccine, you can sign up for the Ixchiq Pregnancy Registry by calling 855-417-6214 or visiting www.valneva-oxon.com/IXCHIQPregnancyRegistry. This registry collects safety information about the use of Ixchiq during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ixchiq 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 Ixchiq while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Ixchiq?

For more information about Ixchiq, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.ixchiq.com or call them at 833-403-8778.

Interactions

Does Ixchiq interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Ixchiq and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ixchiq. 

Does Ixchiq interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before receiving Ixchiq.

  • A medicine that suppresses or weakens your immune system
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Ixchiq. Always check with your health care provider.

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 Ixchiq?

If you or someone else has used too much Ixchiq, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

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

Ixchiq is given by a health care provider. Keep a record of all vaccines you receive and share it with your health care provider. If you have any side effects, please report them by calling 800-822-7967 or filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov.