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Overview: Penmenvy 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 Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling near the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, and nausea. The vaccine is available as a liquid that is injected into a muscle by a health care provider.

Uses

What is Penmenvy used for?

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

Learn more about preventing meningococcal disease with Penmenvy.

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

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

How does Penmenvy work (mechanism of action)?

Penmenvy 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 Penmenvy?

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 Penmenvy?

The most common side effects of Penmenvy 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
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of Penmenvy 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 Penmenvy?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Penmenvy 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Penmenvy?

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

  • Meningococcal groups A, B, C, W, and Y vaccine
  • Meningococcal ABCWY pentavalent vaccine
  • MenABCWY
  • Penmenvy
  • Any other diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine

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

What should I know about Penmenvy before using it?

Penmenvy 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 Penmenvy that your health care provider recommends. Penmenvy helps protect you from serious infections caused by 5 types of a type of 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 Penmenvy?

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 Penmenvy 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 Penmenvy could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Penmenvy 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 Penmenvy?

For more information about Penmenvy, you can call the drugmaker at 888-825-5249.

Interactions

Does Penmenvy 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 Penmenvy.

Does Penmenvy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Penmenvy 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 Penmenvy?

Penmenvy 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 Penmenvy?

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