A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine designed to prevent herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, in adults aged 50 years and older. It is specifically targeted to boost your immune response against the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and can reactivate later in life as shingles. Unlike previous live vaccines, Shingrix is made from a virus component, which is safer for those with weakened immune systems.
This vaccine is acclaimed for its over 90% effectiveness in preventing shingles and long-term nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia, which is the most common complication of the disease. The enhanced benefit of Shingrix is its sustained efficacy, which remains at about 85% for four years post-vaccination.
Before you buy Shingrix, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Shingrix cost.
Fact Table | |
---|---|
Formula | Not applicable (Vaccine) |
License | FDA approved |
Bioavailability | Not applicable (Vaccine) |
Legal status | Prescription Drug |
Chemical Name | Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted |
Elimination half-life | Not applicable (immunization effect) |
Dosage (Strength) | 50 mcg of glycoprotein E and AS01B adjuvant |
Pregnancy | Not recommended |
Brands | Shingrix |
Protein binding | Not applicable (Vaccine) |
Routes of administration | Intramuscular |
Shingrix is administered as an intramuscular injection, typically given in the upper arm. The vaccination course consists of two doses:
First Dose: Administer the initial dose at your starting appointment.
Second Dose: The follow-up dose should be given two to six months after the first dose.
It is important to complete the two-dose regimen to achieve optimal protection against the virus. If more than six months have elapsed since the first dose, the second dose should still be administered without needing to restart the series.
Consult with your healthcare provider to schedule your doses and discuss any specific health conditions that might affect the timing of vaccination.
The main active ingredient in Shingrix is the glycoprotein E antigen of the varicella-zoster virus, which is combined with an adjuvant system (AS01B) to enhance the immune response.
Shingrix shot is approved for use in individuals 50 years of age and older.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, either due to medical conditions or medications, should consult their healthcare provider before receiving Shingrix.
There is limited data on the use of Shingrix in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Do not receive Shingrix if you have a known allergy to any component of the vaccine.
There are no specific medications or treatments known to interact negatively with Shingrix. However, immunosuppressive therapies might reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, including recent cancer treatments, high-dose corticosteroids, or other immune-modifying drugs. Shingrix can be administered concomitantly with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, but at a different site or different limb.
Most side effects of Shingrix are mild and resolve within a few days. Common side effects include:
What are the side effects of Shingrix?
Common side effects of Shingrix include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, and stomach pain.
How soon do side effects start after Shingrix?
Side effects can start as soon as you receive your dose. While they won’t happen to everyone, pain, discoloration, and swelling at the injection site can appear right away.
What happens if you don’t get the second Shingrix shot?
If you miss the second Shingrix shot, you might not be fully protected from shingles and its complications. The second shot helps your body fight off shingles better and for a long time.
How many years does the Shingrix shot last?
The effects of the Shingrix vaccine last for at least four years in most people and may last even longer in some.
How effective is one dose of Shingrix?
Preliminary data suggests that one dose of Shingrix is 90.8% effective in preventing shingles in those aged between 50 and 69 years old, and 69.5% effective in those 70 years of age and older.
When to get the second Shingrix shot?
You should get the second dose of Shingrix 2 to 6 months after you gave the first dose.
How long do Shingrix side effects last?
The median duration of time that the side effects for the Shingrix vaccine last is 2 to 3 days.
How is Shingrix administered?
Shingrix should be injected intramuscularly in the deltoid region of the upper arm.
Can Shingrix cause blood clots?
While shingles itself has been associated with an increased risk of stroke and other blood clot events, there’s no direct evidence to suggest that the Shingrix vaccine causes blood clots.
Can you get Shingrix and flu shot together?
Yes, Shingrix can be administered with other inactive or live vaccines, including the flu vaccine.