Contents of the package leaflet for the medicine HEXACIMA suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Hexacima suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe
Hexacima suspension for injection
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular, component), hepatitis B (rDNA), poliomyelitis (inactivated)and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (adsorbed).
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
One dose1 (0.5 mL) contains:
Diphtheria Toxoid not less than 20 IU2,4 (30 Lf)
Tetanus Toxoid not less than 40 IU3,4 (10 Lf)
Bordetella pertussis antigens
Pertussis Toxoid 25 micrograms
Filamentous Haemagglutinin 25 micrograms
Poliovirus (Inactivated)5
Type 1 (Mahoney) 29 D-antigen units6
Type 2 (MEF-1) 7 D-antigen units6
Type 3 (Saukett) 26 D-antigen units6
Hepatitis B surface antigen7 10 micrograms
Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide 12 micrograms(Polyribosylribitol Phosphate)conjugated to Tetanus protein 22-36 micrograms1 Adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated (0.6 mg Al3+)2 As lower confidence limit (p= 0.95) and not less than 30 IU as mean value3 As lower confidence limit (p= 0.95)4 Or equivalent activity determined by an immunogenicity evaluation5 Cultivated on Vero cells6 These antigen quantities are strictly the same as those previously expressed as 40-8-32 D-antigenunits, for virus type 1, 2 and 3 respectively, when measured by another suitable immunochemicalmethod7 Produced in yeast Hansenula polymorpha cells by recombinant DNA technology
The vaccine may contain traces of glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, neomycin, streptomycin andpolymyxin B which are used during the manufacturing process (see section 4.3).
Excipient with known effectPhenylalanine……………85 micrograms(See section 4.4)
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Suspension for injection.
Hexacima is a whitish, cloudy suspension.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Hexacima (DTaP-IPV-HB-Hib) is indicated for primary and booster vaccination of infants andtoddlers from six weeks of age against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis andinvasive diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
The use of this vaccine should be in accordance with official recommendations.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
PosologyPrimary vaccinationThe primary vaccination consists of 2 doses (with an interval of at least 8 weeks) or 3 doses (with aninterval of at least 4 weeks) in accordance with the official recommendations.
All vaccination schedules including the WHO Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI) at 6, 10,14 weeks of age can be used whether or not a dose of hepatitis B vaccine has been given at birth.
Where a dose of hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth;
- Hexacima can be used for supplementary doses of hepatitis B vaccine from the age of 6 weeks.
If a second dose of hepatitis B vaccine is required before this age, monovalent hepatitis Bvaccine should be used.
- Hexacima can be used for a mixed hexavalent/pentavalent/hexavalent combined vaccineimmunisation schedule in accordance with official recommendations.
Booster vaccination
After a 2-dose primary vaccination with Hexacima, a booster dose must be given.
After a 3-dose primary vaccination with Hexacima, a booster dose should be given.
Booster doses should be given at least 6 months after the last priming dose and in accordance with theofficial recommendations. As a minimum, a dose of Hib vaccine must be administered.
In addition:
In the absence of hepatitis B vaccination at birth, it is necessary to give a hepatitis B vaccine boosterdose. Hexacima can be considered for the booster.
When a hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth, after a 3-dose primary vaccination, Hexacima or apentavalent DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccine can be administered for the booster.
Hexacima may be used as a booster in individuals who have previously been vaccinated with anotherhexavalent vaccine or a pentavalent DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccine associated with a monovalent hepatitis Bvaccine.
WHO-EPI schedule (6, 10, 14 weeks):
After a WHO-EPI schedule, a booster dose should be given
- As a minimum, a booster dose of polio vaccine should be given
- In absence of hepatitis B vaccine at birth, a hepatitis B vaccine booster must be given
- Hexacima can be considered for the booster
Other paediatric populationThe safety and efficacy of Hexacima in infants less than 6 weeks of age have not been established. Nodata are available.
No data are available in older children (see sections 4.8 and 5.1).
Method of administrationImmunisation must be carried out by intramuscular (IM) injection. The recommended injection sitesare the antero-lateral area of the upper thigh (preferred site) or the deltoid muscle in older children(possibly from 15 months of age).
For instructions on handling, see section 6.6.
4.3 Contraindications
History of an anaphylactic reaction after a previous administration of Hexacima.
Hypersensitivity to the active substances, to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1, to traceresiduals (glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, neomycin, streptomycin and polymyxin B), to any pertussisvaccine, or after previous administration of Hexacima or a vaccine containing the same components orconstituents.
Vaccination with Hexacima is contraindicated if the individual has experienced an encephalopathy ofunknown aetiology, occurring within 7 days following prior vaccination with a pertussis containingvaccine (whole cell or acellular pertussis vaccines).
In these circumstances pertussis vaccination should be discontinued and the vaccination course shouldbe continued with diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and Hib vaccines.
Pertussis vaccine should not be administered to individuals with uncontrolled neurologic disorder oruncontrolled epilepsy until treatment for the condition has been established, the condition hasstabilised and the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
TraceabilityIn order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch numberof the administered product should be clearly recorded.
Hexacima will not prevent disease caused by pathogens other than Corynebacterium diphtheriae,
Clostridium tetani, Bordetella pertussis, hepatitis B virus, poliovirus or Haemophilus influenzaetype b. However, it can be expected that hepatitis D will be prevented by immunisation as hepatitis D(caused by the delta agent) does not occur in the absence of hepatitis B infection.
Hexacima will not protect against hepatitis infection caused by other agents such as hepatitis A,hepatitis C and hepatitis E or by other liver pathogens.
Because of the long incubation period of hepatitis B, it is possible for unrecognised hepatitis Binfection to be present at the time of vaccination. The vaccine may not prevent hepatitis B infection insuch cases.
Hexacima does not protect against infectious diseases caused by other types of Haemophilusinfluenzae or against meningitis of other origins.
Prior to immunisation
Immunisation should be postponed in individuals suffering from moderate to severe acute febrileillness or infection. The presence of a minor infection and/or low-grade fever should not result in thedeferral of vaccination.
Vaccination should be preceded by a review of the person’s medical history (in particular previousvaccinations and possible adverse reactions). The administration of Hexacima must be carefullyconsidered in individuals who have a history of serious or severe reactions within 48 hours followingadministration of a vaccine containing similar components.
Before the injection of any biological medicinal product, the person responsible for administrationmust take all precautions known for the prevention of allergic or any other reactions. As with allinjectable vaccines, appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily availablein case of an anaphylactic reaction following administration of the vaccine.
If any of the following events are known to have occurred after receiving any pertussis containingvaccine, the decision to give further doses of pertussis containing vaccine should be carefullyconsidered:
* Temperature of ≥40°C within 48 hours of vaccination not due to another identifiable cause;
* Collapse or shock-like state (hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode) within 48 hours ofvaccination;
* Persistent, inconsolable crying lasting ≥3 hours, occurring within 48 hours of vaccination;
* Convulsions with or without fever, occurring within 3 days of vaccination.
There may be some circumstances, such as high incidence of pertussis, when the potential benefitsoutweigh possible risks.
A history of febrile convulsions, a family history of convulsions or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS) do not constitute a contraindication for the use of Hexacima. Individuals with a history offebrile convulsions should be closely followed up as such adverse events may occur within 2 to 3 dayspost vaccination.
If Guillain-Barré syndrome or brachial neuritis has occurred following receipt of prior vaccinecontaining tetanus toxoid, the decision to give any vaccine containing tetanus toxoid should be basedon careful consideration of the potential benefits and possible risks, such as whether or not the primaryvaccination has been completed. Vaccination is usually justified for individuals whose primaryvaccination is incomplete (i.e. fewer than three doses have been received).
The immunogenicity of the vaccine may be reduced by immunosuppressive treatment orimmunodeficiency. It is recommended to postpone vaccination until the end of such treatment ordisease. Nevertheless, vaccination of individuals with chronic immunodeficiency such as HIVinfection is recommended even if the antibody response may be limited.
Special populationsImmunogenicity data are available for 105 preterm infants. These data support the use of Hexacima inpreterm infants. As expected in preterm infants, lower immune response has been observed for someantigens, when indirectly compared to term infants, although seroprotective levels have been achieved(see section 5.1). No safety data were collected in preterm infants (born ≤37 weeks of gestation) inclinical trials.
The potential risk of apnoea and the need for respiratory monitoring for 48 to 72 hours should beconsidered when administering the primary immunisation series to very premature infants (born≤28 weeks of gestation) and particularly for those with a previous history of respiratory immaturity.
As the benefit of vaccination is high in this group of infants, vaccination should not be withheld ordelayed.
Immune responses to the vaccine have not been studied in the context of genetic polymorphism.
In individuals with chronic renal failure, an impaired hepatitis B response is observed andadministration of additional doses of hepatitis B vaccine should be considered according to theantibody level against hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBsAg).
Immunogenicity data in HIV-exposed infants (infected and uninfected) showed that Hexacima isimmunogenic in the potentially immunodeficient population of HIV-exposed infants whatever their
HIV status at birth (see section 5.1). No specific safety concern was observed in this population.
Precautions for use
Do not administer by intravascular, intradermal or subcutaneous injection.
As with all injectable vaccines, the vaccine must be administered with caution to individuals withthrombocytopenia or a bleeding disorder since bleeding may occur following an intramuscularadministration.
Syncope can occur following, or even before, any vaccination as a psychogenic response to the needleinjection. Procedures should be in place to prevent falling and injury and to manage syncope.
Interference with laboratory testing
Since the Hib capsular polysaccharide antigen is excreted in the urine, a positive urine test can beobserved within 1 to 2 weeks following vaccination. Other tests should be performed in order toconfirm Hib infection during this period.
Hexacima contains phenylalanine, potassium and sodium
Hexacima contains 85 micrograms phenylalanine in each 0.5-mL dose. Phenylalanine may be harmfulfor individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder in which phenylalanine builds upbecause the body cannot remove it properly.
Hexacima contains less than 1 mmol potassium (39 mg) and less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) perdose, that is to say essentially “potassium-free” and “sodium-free”.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Hexacima can be administered simultaneously with a pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugatevaccine, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and varicella-containing vaccines, rotavirus vaccines, ameningococcal C conjugate vaccine or a meningococcal group A, C, W-135 and Y conjugate vaccine,as no clinically relevant interference in the antibody response to each of the antigens has been shown.
If co-administration with another vaccine is considered, immunisation should be carried out onseparate injection sites.
Hexacima must not be mixed with any other vaccines or other parenterally administered medicinalproducts.
No significant clinical interaction with other treatments or biological products has been reportedexcept in the case of immunosuppressive therapy (see section 4.4).
For interference with laboratory testing, see section 4.4.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Not applicable. This vaccine is not intended for administration to women of child-bearing age.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profileIn clinical studies in individuals who received Hexacima, the most frequently reported reactionsinclude injection-site pain, irritability, crying, and injection-site erythema.
Slightly higher solicited reactogenicity was observed after the first dose compared to subsequentdoses.
The safety of Hexacima in children over 24 months of age has not been studied in clinical trials.
Tabulated list of adverse reactionsThe following convention has been used for the classification of adverse reactions;
Very common (≥1/10)
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)
Uncommon (≥1/1 000 to <1/100)
Rare (≥1/10 000 to <1/1 000)
Very rare (<1/10 000)
Not known (cannot be estimated from available data)
Within each frequency grouping the adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasingseriousness.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions from clinical trials and post marketing surveillance
System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Events
Immune system disorders Uncommon Hypersensitivity reaction
Rare Anaphylactic reaction*
Metabolism and nutrition Very common Anorexia (decreased appetite)disorders
Nervous system disorders Very common Crying, somnolence
Common Abnormal crying (prolonged crying)
Rare Convulsions with or without fever*
Very rare Hypotonic reactions or hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes (HHE)
Gastrointestinal disorders Very common Vomiting
Common Diarrhoea
Skin and subcutaneous Rare Rashtissue disorders
General disorders and Very common Pyrexia (body temperature ≥38.0°C)administration site Irritabilityconditions Injection-site pain, injection-site erythema,injection-site swelling
Common Injection-site induration
Uncommon Pyrexia (body temperature ≥39.6°C)
Injection-site nodule
Rare Extensive limb swelling†
*Adverse reactions from spontaneous reporting.
†See section Description of selected adverse reactions
Description of selected adverse reactionsExtensive limb swelling: Large injection-site reactions (>50 mm), including extensive limb swellingfrom the injection site beyond one or both joints, have been reported in children. These reactions startwithin 24-72 hours after vaccination, may be associated with erythema, warmth, tenderness or pain atthe injection site and resolve spontaneously within 3-5 days. The risk appears to be dependent on thenumber of prior doses of acellular pertussis containing vaccine, with a greater risk following the 4thdose.
Potential adverse events
These are adverse events that have been reported with other vaccines containing one or more of thecomponents or constituents of Hexacima and not directly with Hexacima.
Nervous system disorders- Brachial neuritis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome have been reported after administration of a tetanustoxoid-containing vaccine
- Peripheral neuropathy (polyradiculoneuritis, facial paralysis), optic neuritis, central nervous systemdemyelination (multiple sclerosis) have been reported after administration of a hepatitis B antigen-containing vaccine
- Encephalopathy/encephalitis
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disordersApnoea in very premature infants (≤28 weeks of gestation) (see section 4.4)
General disorders and administration site conditionsOedematous reaction affecting one or both lower limbs may occur following vaccination with
Haemophilus influenzae type b-containing vaccines. If this reaction occurs, it is mainly after primaryinjections and within the first few hours following vaccination. Associated symptoms may includecyanosis, redness, transient purpura, and severe crying. All events should resolve spontaneouslywithout sequel within 24 hours.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactionsReporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. Itallows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcareprofessionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting systemlisted in Appendix V.
4.9 Overdose
No cases of overdose have been reported.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmaco-therapeutic group: Vaccines, bacterial and viral vaccines combined, ATC code: J07CA09
The immunogenicity of Hexacima in children over 24 months of age has not been studied in clinicaltrials.
Results obtained for each of the components are summarised in the tables below:
Table 1: Seroprotection/Seroconversion rates* one month after primary vaccination with 2 or 3doses of Hexacima
Antibody Thresholds Two doses Three doses3-5 6-10-14 2-3-4 2-4-6
Months Weeks Months Months
N=249** N=123 to N=322†† N=934 to220† 1270‡% % % %
Anti-diphtheria99.6 97.6 99.7 97.1(≥0.01 IU/mL)
Anti-tetanus100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0(0.01 IU/mL)
Anti-PT(Seroconversion ‡‡) 93.4 93.6 88.3 96.0(Vaccine response§) 98.4 100.0 99.4 99.7
Anti-FHA(Seroconversion ‡‡) 92.5 93.1 90.6 97.0(Vaccine response§) 99.6 100.0 99.7 99.9
With hepatitis B
Anti-HBs/99.0/99.7vaccination at birth(10
Without hepatitis BmIU/mL)vaccination at birth 97.2 95.7 96.8 98.8
Anti-Polio type 190.8 100.0 99.4 99.9(8 (1/dilution))
Anti-Polio type 295.0 98.5 100.0 100.0(8 (1/dilution))
Anti-Polio type 396.7 100.0 99.7 99.9(8 (1/dilution))
Anti-PRP71.5 95.4 96.2 98.0(0.15 µg/mL)
* Generally accepted surrogates (PT, FHA) or correlates of protection (other components)
N = Number of individuals analysed (per protocol set)
** 3, 5 months without hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Finland, Sweden)† 6, 10, 14 weeks with and without hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Republic of South Africa)†† 2, 3, 4 months without hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Finland)‡ 2, 4, 6 months without hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Argentina, Mexico, Peru) and with hepatitis Bvaccination at birth (Costa Rica and Colombia)‡‡ Seroconversion: minimum 4-fold increase compared to pre-vaccination level (pre-dose 1)§ Vaccine response: If pre-vaccination antibody concentration <8 EU/mL, then the post-vaccination antibodyconcentration should be ≥8 EU/mL. Otherwise, post-vaccination antibody concentration should be ≥ pre-immunisation level
Table 2: Seroprotection/Seroconversion rates* one month after booster vaccination with
Hexacima
Booster
Antibody Thresholdsvaccinationat 11-12
Booster vaccination during the secondmonths ofyear of life following a three-doseage after aprimary coursetwo-doseprimarycourse3-5 6-10-14 2-3-4 2-4-6
Months Weeks Months Months
N=177 to
N=249** N=204† N=178††396‡% % % %
Anti-diphtheria100.0 100.0 100.0 97.2(0.1 IU/mL)
Anti-tetanus100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0(0.1 IU/mL)
Anti-PT(Seroconversion‡‡) 94.3 94.4 86.0 96.2(Vaccine response§) 98.0 100.0 98.8 100.0
Anti-FHA(Seroconversion‡‡) 97.6 99.4 94.3 98.4(Vaccine response§) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
With hepatitis B/ 100.0/99.7
Anti-HBs vaccination at birth(10 mIU/mL) Without hepatitis B96.4 98.5 98.9 99.4vaccination at birth
Anti-Polio type 1100.0 100.0 98.9 100.0(8 (1/dilution))
Anti-Polio type 2100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0(8 (1/dilution))
Anti-Polio type 399.6 100.0 100.0 100.0(8 (1/dilution))
Anti-PRP93.5 98.5 98.9 98.3(1.0 µg/mL)
* Generally accepted surrogates (PT, FHA) or correlates of protection (other components)
N = Number of individuals analysed (per protocol set)
** 3, 5 months without hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Finland, Sweden)† 6, 10, 14 weeks with and without hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Republic of South Africa)†† 2, 3, 4 months without hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Finland)‡ 2, 4, 6 months without hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Mexico) and with hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Costa
Rica and Colombia)‡‡ Seroconversion: minimum 4-fold increase compared to pre-vaccination level (pre-dose 1)§ Vaccine response: If pre-vaccination antibody concentration (pre-dose 1) <8 EU/mL, then the post-boosterantibody concentration should be ≥8 EU/mL. Otherwise, post-booster antibody concentration should be ≥pre-immunisation level (pre-dose 1)
Immune responses to Hib and pertussis antigens after 2 doses at 2 and 4 months of age
The immune responses to Hib (PRP) and pertussis antigens (PT and FHA) were evaluated after2 doses in a subset of subjects receiving Hexacima (N=148) at 2, 4, 6 months of age. The immuneresponses to PRP, PT and FHA antigens one month after 2 doses given at 2 and 4 months of age weresimilar to those observed one month after a 2-dose priming given at 3 and 5 months of age:
- anti-PRP titers ≥0.15 µg/mL were observed in 73.0% of individuals,
- anti-PT vaccine response in 97.9% of individuals,
- anti-FHA vaccine response in 98.6% of individuals.
Persistence of immune response
Studies on long-term persistence of vaccine induced antibodies following varying infant/toddlerprimary series and following Hepatitis B vaccine given at birth or not have shown maintenance oflevels above the recognized protective levels or antibody thresholds for the vaccine antigens (see
Table 3).
Table 3: Seroprotection ratesa at the age of 4.5 years old after vaccination with Hexacima
Antibody Thresholds Primary 2-4-6 months
Primary 6-10-14 weeks and booster atand booster at15-18 months12-24 months
Without hepatitis B With hepatitis B With hepatitis B atat birth at birth birth
N=173b N=103b N=220c% % %
Anti-diphtheria(0.01 IU/mL) 98.2 97 100(0.1 IU/mL) 75.3 64.4 57.2
Anti-tetanus(0.01 IU/mL) 100 100 100(0.1 IU/mL) 89.5 82.8 80.8
Anti-PTe(8 EU/mL) 42.5 23.7 22.2
Anti-FHAe(8 EU/mL) 93.8 89.0 85.6
Anti-HBs(10 mIU/mL) 73.3 96.1 92.3
Anti-Polio type 1(8 (1/dilution)) NAd NAd 99.5
Anti-Polio type 2(8 (1/dilution)) NAd NAd 100
Anti-Polio type 3(8 (1/dilution)) NAd NAd 100
Anti-PRP(0.15 µg/mL) 98.8 100 100
N = Number of individuals analysed (per protocol set)a Generally accepted surrogates (PT, FHA) or correlates of protection (other components)b 6, 10, 14 weeks with and without hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Republic of South Africa)c 2, 4, 6 months with hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Colombia)d Due to an OPV National Immunisation Days in the country, Polio results have not been analysede 8 EU/mL corresponds to 4 LLOQ (Lower Limit Of Quantification in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
ELISA).
LLOQ value for anti-PT and anti-FHA is 2 EU/mL
The persistence of the immune responses against the hepatitis B component of Hexacima wasevaluated in infants primed from two different schedules.
For a 2-dose primary infant series at 3 and 5 months of age without hepatitis B at birth, followed by atoddler booster at 11-12 months of age, 53.8% of children were seroprotected (anti-HBsAg≥10 mIU/mL) at 6 years of age, and 96.7% presented an anamnestic response after a challenge dosewith a standalone Hepatitis B vaccine.
For a primary series consisting of one dose of hepatitis B vaccine given at birth followed by a 3-doseinfant series at 2, 4, and 6 months of age without a toddler booster, 49.3% of children wereseroprotected (anti-HBsAg ≥10 mIU/mL) at 9 years of age, and 92.8% presented an anamnesticresponse after a challenge dose with a standalone Hepatitis B vaccine.
These data support persisting immune memory induced in infants primed with Hexacima.
Immune responses to Hexacima in preterm infants
Immune responses to Hexacima antigens in preterm (105) infants (born after a gestation period of 28to 36 weeks), including 90 infants born to women vaccinated with Tdap vaccine during pregnancy and15 to women not vaccinated during pregnancy, were evaluated following a 3-dose primary vaccinationcourse at 2, 3, and 4 months of age, and a booster dose at 13 months of age.
One month after primary vaccination, all subjects were seroprotected against diphtheria(≥0.01 IU/mL), tetanus (≥0.01 IU/mL), and poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 (≥8 (1/dilution)); 89.8% ofsubjects were seroprotected against hepatitis B (≥10 IU/mL) and 79.4% were seroprotected against
Hib invasive diseases (≥0.15 µg/mL).
One month after the booster dose, all subjects were seroprotected against diphtheria (≥0.1 IU/mL),tetanus (≥0.1 IU/mL), and poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 (≥8 (1/dilution)); 94.6% of subjects wereseroprotected against hepatitis B (≥10 IU/mL) and 90.6% were seroprotected against Hib invasivediseases (≥1 µg/mL).
Regarding pertussis, one month after primary vaccination 98.7% and 100% of subjects developedantibodies ≥8 EU/mL against PT and FHA antigens, respectively. One month after the booster dose,98.8% of subjects developed antibodies ≥8 EU/mL against both PT and FHA antigens. Pertussisantibody concentrations increased by 13-fold after primary vaccination and by 6- to 14-fold after thebooster dose.
Immune responses to Hexacima in infants born to women vaccinated with Tdap during pregnancy
Immune responses to Hexacima antigens in term (109) and preterm (90) infants born to womenvaccinated with Tdap vaccine during pregnancy (between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation) were evaluatedfollowing a 3-dose primary vaccination course at 2, 3, and 4 months of age, and a booster dose at 13(preterm infants) or 15 (term infants) months of age.
One month after primary vaccination, all subjects were seroprotected against diphtheria (≥0.01 IU/mL),tetanus (≥0.01 IU/mL), and poliovirus types 1 and 3 (≥8 (1/dilution)); 97.3% of subjects wereseroprotected against poliovirus type 2 (≥8 (1/dilution)); 94.6% of subjects were seroprotected againsthepatitis B (≥10 IU/mL) and 88.0% were seroprotected against Hib invasive diseases (≥0.15 µg/mL).
One month after the booster dose, all subjects were seroprotected against diphtheria (≥0.1 IU/mL),tetanus (≥0.1 IU/mL), and poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 (≥8 (1/dilution)); 93.9% of subjects wereseroprotected against hepatitis B (≥10 IU/mL) and 94.0% were seroprotected against Hib invasivediseases (≥1 µg/mL).
Regarding pertussis, one month after primary vaccination 99.4% and 100% of subjects developedantibodies ≥8 EU/mL against PT and FHA antigens, respectively. One month after the booster dose,99.4% of subjects developed antibodies ≥8 EU/mL against both PT and FHA antigens. Pertussisantibody concentrations were increased by 5- to 9-fold after primary vaccination, and by 8- to 19-foldafter the booster dose.
Immune responses to Hexacima in HIV-exposed infants
Immune responses to Hexacima antigens in 51 HIV-exposed infants (9 infected and 42 uninfected) wereevaluated following a 3-dose primary vaccination course at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, and a boosterdose at 15 to 18 months of age.
One month after primary vaccination, all infants were seroprotected against diphtheria (≥0.01 IU/mL),tetanus (≥0.01 IU/mL), poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 (≥8 (1/dilution), hepatitis B (≥10 IU/mL), and morethan 97.6% for Hib invasive diseases (≥0.15 µg/mL).
One month after the booster dose, all subjects were seroprotected against diphtheria (≥0.1 IU/mL),tetanus (≥0.1 IU/mL), poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 (≥8 (1/dilution), hepatitis B (≥10 IU/mL), and morethan 96.6% for Hib invasive diseases (≥1 µg/mL).
Regarding pertussis, one month after primary vaccination, 100% of subjects developed antibodies ≥8
EU/mL against both PT and FHA antigens. One month after the booster dose, 100% of subjectsdeveloped antibodies ≥8 EU/mL against both PT and FHA antigens. Seroconversion rates defined asminimum 4-fold increase compared to pre-vaccination level (pre-dose 1) were 100% in the HIV-exposedand infected group for anti-PT and anti-FHA; and 96.6% for anti-PT and 89.7% for anti-FHA in the
HIV-exposed and uninfected group.
Efficacy and effectiveness in protecting against pertussis
Vaccine efficacy of the acellular pertussis (aP) antigens contained in Hexacima against the mostsevere WHO-defined typical pertussis (21 days of paroxysmal cough) is documented in a randomiseddouble-blind study among infants with a 3-dose primary series using a DTaP vaccine in a highlyendemic country (Senegal). The need for a toddler booster dose was seen in this study.
The long-term capability of the acellular pertussis (aP) antigens contained in Hexacima to reducepertussis incidence and control pertussis disease in childhood has been demonstrated in a 10-yearnational pertussis surveillance on pertussis disease in Sweden with the pentavalent DTaP-IPV/Hibvaccine using a 3, 5, 12 months schedule. Results of long-term follow-up demonstrated a dramaticreduction of the pertussis incidence following the second dose regardless of the vaccine used.
Effectiveness in protecting against Hib invasive disease
The vaccine effectiveness against Hib invasive disease of DTaP and Hib combination vaccines(pentavalent and hexavalent including vaccines containing the Hib antigen from Hexacima) has beendemonstrated in Germany via an extensive (over five years follow-up period) post-marketingsurveillance study. The vaccine effectiveness was of 96.7% for the full primary series, and 98.5% forthe booster dose (irrespective of priming).
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
No pharmacokinetic studies have been performed.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional repeat dose toxicity andlocal tolerance studies.
At the injection sites, chronic histological inflammatory changes were observed that are expected tohave a slow recovery.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Disodium hydrogen phosphate
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate
Trometamol
Sucrose
Essential amino acids including L-phenylalanine
Sodium hydroxide, acetic acid or hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment)
Water for injections.
For adsorbent: see section 2.
6.2 Incompatibilities
In the absence of compatibility studies, this vaccine must not be mixed with other vaccines ormedicinal products.
6.3 Shelf life
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C).
Do not freeze.
Keep the container in the outer carton in order to protect it from the light.
Stability data indicate that the vaccine components are stable at temperatures up to 25°C for 72 hours.
At the end of this period, Hexacima should be used or discarded. These data are intended to guidehealthcare professionals in case of temporary temperature excursion only.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Hexacima in pre-filled syringes0.5 mL of suspension in pre-filled syringe (type I glass) equipped with a plunger stopper (halobutyl)and a Luer lock adaptor with a tip cap (halobutyl + polypropylene).
Pack of 1 or 10 pre-filled syringe(s) without needle(s).
Pack of 1 or 10 pre-filled syringe(s) with separate needle(s) (stainless steel).
Pack of 1 or 10 pre-filled syringe(s) with separate needle(s) (stainless steel) with safety shield(polycarbonate).
Hexacima in vials0.5 mL suspension in vial (type I glass) with a stopper (halobutyl).
Pack size of 10 vials.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Hexacima in pre-filled syringes
Prior to administration, the pre-filled syringe should be shaken in order to obtain a homogeneous,whitish, cloudy suspension.
Preparation for administration
The syringe with suspension for injection should be visually inspected prior to administration. In theevent of any foreign particulate matter, leakage, premature activation of the plunger or faulty tip seal,discard the pre-filled syringe.
The syringe is intended for single use only and must not be reused.
Instructions for use of Luer Lock pre-filled syringe
Picture A: Luer Lock syringe with Rigid Tip Cap
Step 1: Holding the Luer Lock adapter inone hand (avoid holding the syringeplunger or barrel), unscrew the tip cap bytwisting it.
Step 2: To attach the needle to thesyringe, gently twist the needle into the
Luer Lock adapter of the syringe untilslight resistance is felt.
Instructions for use of safety needle with Luer Lock pre-filled syringe
Picture B: Safety Needle (inside case) Picture C: Safety Needle Components (prepared foruse)
Follow Step 1 and 2 above to prepare the Luer Lock syringe and needle for attachment.
Step 3: Pull the safety needle’s casestraight off. The needle is covered by thesafety shield and protector.
Step 4:
A: Move the safety shield away from theneedle and toward the syringe barrel to theangle shown.
B: Pull the protector straight off.
Step 5: After injection is complete, lock(activate) the safety shield using one of thethree (3) one-handed techniquesillustrated: surface, thumb or fingeractivation.
Note: Activation is verified by an audibleand/or tactile “click.”
Step 6: Visually inspect the safety shieldactivation. The safety shield should be fullylocked (activated) as shown in Figure C.
Note: When fully locked (activated), theneedle should be at an angle to the safetyshield.
Figure D shows the safety shield is NOTfully locked (not activated).
Caution: Do not attempt to unlock (deactivate) the safety device by forcing the needle out ofthe safety shield.
Hexacima in vials
The vial is intended for single use only and must not be reused.
Prior to administration, the vial should be shaken in order to obtain a homogeneous, whitish, cloudysuspension.
The suspension should be visually inspected prior to administration. In the event of any foreignparticulate matter and/or variation of physical aspect being observed, discard the vial.
A dose of 0.5 mL is withdrawn using a syringe for injection.
DisposalAny unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with localrequirements.
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Sanofi Winthrop Industrie, 82 Avenue Raspail, 94250 Gentilly, France
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
Hexacima in vials
EU/1/13/828/001
Hexacima in pre-filled syringes
EU/1/13/828/002
EU/1/13/828/003
EU/1/13/828/004
EU/1/13/828/005
EU/1/13/828/006
EU/1/13/828/007
EU/1/13/828/008
EU/1/13/828/009
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 17 April 2013
Date of latest renewal: 08 January 2018
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu