M-M-R II

Live measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine.

M-M-R II (Measles, Mumps and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) is a live virus vaccine for vaccination against measles (rubeola), mumps and rubella (German measles).
M-M-R II is a sterile lyophilized preparation of (1) ATTENUVAX (Measles Virus Vaccine Live, MSD), a more attenuated line of measles virus, derived from Enders' attenuated Edmonston strain and propagated in chick embryo cell culture; (2) MUMPSVAX (Mumps Virus Vaccine Live, MSD), the Jeryl Lynn (B level) strain of mumps virus propagated in chick embryo cell culture; and (3) MERUVAX II (Rubella Virus Vaccine Live, MSD), the Wistar RA 27/3 strain of live attenuated rubella virus propagated in W1-38 human diploid lung fibroblasts.
The reconstituted vaccine is for subcutaneous administration. "When reconstituted as directed, the dose for injection is 0.5 mL and contains not less than 1,000 CCID ₅₀ (50% cell culture infectious dose) of measles virus; 12,500 CCID ₅₀ of mumps virus; and 1,000 CCID ₅₀ of rubella virus. Each dose of the vaccine is calculated to contain sorbitol (14.5 mg), sodium phosphate, sucrose (1.9 mg), hydrolyzed gelatin (14.5 mg), recombinant albumin (≤0.3 mg), fetal bovine serum (<1 ppm), other buffer and media ingredients and approximately 25 mcg of neomycin." M-M-R II contains no preservative. Sorbitol and hydrolyzed gelatin are added as stabilizers.
Availability: A single dose vial of lyophilized vaccine and a vial of diluent.

Pharmacology: Measles, mumps and rubella are three common childhood diseases, caused by measles virus, mumps virus (paramyxoviruses), and rubella virus (togavirus), respectively, that may be associated with serious complications and/or death. For example, pneumonia and encephalitis are caused by measles. Mumps is associated with aseptic meningitis, deafness and orchitis; and rubella during pregnancy may cause congenital rubella syndrome in the infants of infected mothers.
Clinical studies of 279 triple seronegative children, 11 months to 7 years of age, demonstrated that M-M-R II is highly immunogenic and generally well tolerated. In these studies, a single injection of the vaccine induced measles hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibodies in 95%, mumps neutralizing antibodies in 96%, and rubella HI antibodies in 99% of susceptible persons. However, a small percentage (1-5%) of vaccinees may fail to seroconvert after the primary dose.
A study of 6 month old and 15 month old infants born to vaccine-immunized mothers demonstrated that, following vaccination with ATTENUVAX, 74% of the 6 month old infants developed detectable neutralizing antibody (NT) titers while 100% of the 15 month old infants developed NT. This rate of seroconversion is higher than that previously reported for 6 month old infants born to naturally immune mothers tested by HI assay. When the 6 month old infants of immunized mothers were revaccinated at 15 months, they developed antibody titers equivalent to the 15 month old vaccinees. The lower seroconversion rate in 6 month olds has two possible explanations: 1) Due to the limit of the detection level of the assays (NT and enzyme immunoassay [EIA]), the presence of trace amounts of undetectable maternal antibody might interfere with the seroconversion of infants; or 2) the immune system of 6 month olds is not always capable of mounting a response to measles vaccine as measured by the two antibody assays.
Efficacy of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine was established in a series of double-blind controlled field trials which demonstrated a high degree of protective efficacy afforded by the individual vaccine components. These studies also established that seroconversion in response to vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella paralleled protection from these diseases.
Following vaccination, antibodies associated with protection can be measured by neutralization assays, HI or ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests. Neutralizing and ELISA antibodies to measles, mumps and rubella viruses are still detectable in most individuals 11-13 years after primary vaccination.

M-M-R II is indicated for simultaneous vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella in individuals 12 months of age or older (see DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION).
There is some evidence to suggest that infants who are born to mothers who had natural measles and who are vaccinated at less than one year of age may not develop sustained antibody levels when later revaccinated. The advantage of early protection must be weighed against the chance for failure to respond adequately on reimmunization.
Infants who are less than 15 months of age may fail to respond to the measles component of the vaccine due to presence in the circulation of residual measles antibody of maternal origin, the younger the infant, the lower the likelihood of seroconversion. In geographically isolated or other relatively inaccessible populations for whom immunization programs are logistically difficult, and in population groups in which natural measles infection may occur in a significant proportion of infants before 15 months of age, it may be desirable to give the vaccine to infants at an earlier age. Infants vaccinated under these conditions at less than 12 months of age should be revaccinated after reaching 15 months of age.

FOR SUBCUTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION Do not inject intravenously.
Do not give immune globulin (Ig) concurrently with M-M-R II. (See INTERACTIONS.)
The dose for any age is 0.5 ml administered subcutaneously, preferably into the outer aspect of the upper arm.
CAUTION: A sterile syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics and detergents should be used for each injection and/or reconstitution of the vaccine because these substances may inactivate the live virus vaccine. A 25 gauge, ⁵/₈" needle is recommended.
To reconstitute, use only the diluent supplied, since it is free of preservatives or other antiviral substances which might inactivate the vaccine.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Before reconstitution, the lyophilized vaccine is a light yellow compact crystalline plug. M-M-R II, when reconstituted, is clear yellow.
RECOMMENDED VACCINATION SCHEDULE: Individuals first vaccinated at 12 months of age or older should be revaccinated at 4-6 years of age or 11-12 years of age. Revaccination is intended to seroconvert those who do not respond to the first dose.
MEASLES OUTBREAK SCHEDULE: Infants Between 6-12 Months of Age: Local health authorities may recommend measles vaccination of infants between 6-12 months of age in outbreak situations. This population may fail to respond to the components of the vaccine. Safety and effectiveness of mumps and rubella vaccine in infants less than 12 months of age have not been established. The younger the infant, the lower the likelihood of seroconversion. Such infants should receive a second dose of M-M-R II at 15 months of age followed by revaccination at 4-6 years of age or 11-12 years of age.
OTHER VACCINATION CONSIDERATIONS: Non-pregnant Adolescent and Adult Females: Immunization of susceptible non-pregnant adolescent and adult females of childbearing age with live attenuated rubella virus vaccine is indicated if certain precautions are observed (see PRECAUTIONS). Vaccinating susceptible postpubertal females confers individual protection against subsequently acquiring rubella infection during pregnancy, which in turn prevents infection of the fetus and consequent congenital rubella injury.
Women of childbearing age should be advised not to become pregnant for one month after vaccination and should be informed of the reasons for this precaution (See Use in Pregnancy under PRECAUTIONS).
If it is practical and if reliable laboratory services are available, women of childbearing age who are potential candidates for vaccination can have serologic tests to determine susceptibility to rubella. However, with the exception of premarital and prenatal screening, routinely performing serologic tests for all women of childbearing age to determine susceptibility (so that vaccine is given only to proven susceptible women) can be effective but is expensive. Also, 2 visits to the health-care provider would be necessary - one for screening and one for vaccination. Accordingly, rubella vaccination of a woman who is not known to be pregnant and has no history of vaccination is justifiable without serologic testing - and may be preferable, particularly when costs of serology are high and follow-up of identified susceptible women for vaccination is not assured.
Postpubertal females should be informed of the frequent occurrence of generally self-limited arthralgia and/or arthritis beginning 2 to 4 weeks after vaccination (see SIDE EFFECTS).
Postpartum Women: It has been found convenient in many instances to vaccinate rubella-susceptible women in the immediate postpartum period (see Use in Lactation under PRECAUTIONS).
OTHER POPULATIONS: Previously unvaccinated children older than 12 months who are in contact with susceptible pregnant women should receive live attenuated rubella vaccine (such as that contained in monovalent rubella vaccine or in M-M-R II) to reduce the risk of exposure of the pregnant woman.
Individuals planning to travel abroad, if not immune, can acquire measles, mumps or rubella and import these diseases to their country. Therefore, prior to international travel, individuals known to be susceptible to one or more of these diseases can receive either a monovalent vaccine (measles, mumps or rubella), or a combination vaccine as appropriate. However, M-M-R II is preferred for persons likely to be susceptible to mumps and rubella; and if monovalent measles vaccine is not readily available, travelers should receive M-M-R II regardless of their immune status to mumps or rubella.
Vaccination has been recommended for susceptible individuals in high-risk groups such as college students, health-care workers, and military personnel.
POST-EXPOSURE VACCINATION: Vaccination of individuals exposed to natural measles may provide some protection if the vaccine can be administered within 72 hours of exposure. If, however, vaccine is given a few days before exposure, substantial protection may be afforded. There is no conclusive evidence that vaccination of individuals recently exposed to natural mumps or natural rubella will provide protection.
USE WITH OTHER VACCINES: M-M-R II should be given one month before or after administration of other live viral vaccines.
M-M-R II has been administered concurrently with varicella and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines using separate sites and syringes. No impairment of immune response to individual tested vaccine antigens was demonstrated. The type, frequency, and severity of adverse experiences observed with M-M-R II were similar to those seen when each vaccine was given alone.
Routine administration of DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) and/or OPV (oral poliovirus vaccine) concurrently with measles, mumps and rubella vaccines is not recommended because there are limited data relating to the simultaneous administration of these antigens.
However, other schedules have been used. Data from published studies concerning the simultaneous administration of the entire recommended vaccine series (i.e., DTP, OPV, MMR, and Hib vaccines, with or without hepatitis B vaccine), indicate no interference between routinely recommended childhood vaccines (either live, attenuated, or killed).
SINGLE DOSE VIAL: Vaccines available for revaccination include monovalent measles vaccine [ATTENUVAX (Measles Virus Vaccine Live, MSD)] and polyvalent vaccines containing measles [e.g., M-M-R II, M-M-VAX (Measles and Mumps Virus Vaccine Live, MSD)]. If the prevention of sporadic measles outbreaks is the sole objective, revaccination with a monovalent measles vaccine should be considered (see appropriate product circular). If concern also exists about immune status regarding mumps or rubella, revaccination with appropriate monovalent or polyvalent vaccine should be considered after consulting the appropriate product circulars.
First withdraw the entire volume of diluent into the syringe to be used for reconstitution. Inject all the diluent in the syringe into the vial of lyophilized vaccine, and agitate to mix thoroughly. If the lyophilized vaccine cannot be dissolved, discard. Withdraw the entire contents into a syringe and inject the total volume of reconstituted vaccine subcutaneously.
It is important to use a separate sterile syringe and needle for each individual patient to prevent transmission of Hepatitis B and other infectious agents from one person to another.

Overdose has been reported rarely and was not associated with any serious adverse events.

Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including gelatin.
Do not give M-M-R II to pregnant females; the possible effects of the vaccine on fetal development are unknown at this time. If vaccination of postpubertal females is undertaken, pregnancy should be avoided for one month following vaccination (see Use in Pregnancy under PRECAUTIONS).
Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions to neomycin (each dose of reconstituted vaccine contains approximately 25 mcg of neomycin).
Any febrile respiratory illness or other active febrile infection.
Active untreated tuberculosis.
Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. This contraindication does not apply to patients who are receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy eg, for Addison's disease.
Individuals with blood dyscrasias, leukemia, lymphomas of any type, or other malignant neoplasms affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic systems.
Primary and acquired immunodeficiency states, including patients who are immunosuppressed in association with AIDS or other clinical manifestations of infection with human immunodeficiency viruses; cellular immune deficiencies; and hypogammaglobulinemic and dysgammaglobulinemic states. Measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE), pneumonitis and death as a direct consequence of disseminated measles vaccine virus infection has been reported in severely immunocompromised individuals inadvertently vaccinated with measles-containing vaccine.
Individuals with a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency, until the immune competence of the potential vaccine recipient is demonstrated.

General: Adequate treatment provisions including epinephrine injection (1:1000) should be available for immediate use should an anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reaction occur.
Due caution should be employed in the administration of M-M-R II to persons with individual or family histories of convulsions, a history of cerebral injury or any other condition in which stress due to fever should be avoided. The physician should be alert to the temperature elevation which may occur following vaccination (see SIDE EFFECTS).
Hypersensitivity to Eggs: Live measles vaccine and live mumps vaccine are produced in chick embryo cell culture. Persons with a history of anaphylactic, anaphylactoid, or other immediate reactions (e.g., hives, swelling of the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, hypotension, or shock) subsequent to egg ingestion may be at an enhanced risk of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions after receiving vaccines containing traces of chick embryo antigen. The potential risk to benefit ratio should be carefully evaluated before considering vaccination in such cases. Such individuals may be vaccinated with extreme caution, having adequate treatment on hand should a reaction occur.
Thrombocytopenia: Individuals with current thrombocytopenia may develop more severe thrombocytopenia following vaccination. In addition, individuals who experienced thrombocytopenia with the first dose of M-M-R II (or its component vaccines) may develop thrombocytopenia with repeat doses. Serologic status may be evaluated to determine whether or not additional doses of vaccine are needed. The potential risk to benefit ratio should be carefully evaluated before considering vaccination in such cases (see SIDE EFFECTS).
Use in Pregnancy: It is not known whether M-M-R II can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Therefore, the vaccine should not be administered to pregnant females; furthermore, pregnancy should be avoided for one months following vaccination (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
In an 18-year survey involving over 1200 pregnant women who received rubella vaccine within 3 months before or after conception (of whom 683 received the Wistar RA 27/3 strain), none of the newborns had abnormalities compatible with congenital rubella syndrome. Additional data from post-marketing reports and published observational studies have not identified abnormalities compatible with congenital rubella syndrome in patients who received M-M-R II. Mumps infection during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the rate of spontaneous abortion. Although mumps vaccine virus has been shown to infect the placenta and fetus, there is no evidence that it causes congenital malformations in humans. Reports have indicated that contracting of natural measles during pregnancy enhances fetal risk. Increased rates of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, congenital defects and prematurity have been observed subsequent to natural measles during pregnancy. There are no adequate studies of the attenuated (vaccine) strain of measles virus in pregnancy. However, it would be prudent to assume that the vaccine strain of virus is also capable of inducing adverse fetal effects.
Use in Lactation: It is not known whether measles or mumps vaccine virus is secreted in human milk. Recent studies have shown that lactating postpartum women immunized with live attenuated rubella vaccine may secrete the virus in breast milk and transmit it to breast-fed infants. In the infants with serological evidence of rubella infection, none exhibited severe disease; however, one exhibited mild clinical illness typical of acquired rubella. Caution should be exercised when M-M-R II is administered to a nursing woman.
Use in Children: Safety and effectiveness of measles vaccine in infants below the age of 6 months have not been established. Safety and effectiveness of mumps and rubella vaccine in infants less than 12 months of age have not been established.
Others: Children and young adults who are known to be infected with human immunodeficiency viruses and are not immunosuppressed may be vaccinated. However, the vaccinees who are infected with HIV should be monitored closely for vaccine-preventable diseases because immunization may be less effective than for uninfected persons (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Excretion of small amounts of the live attenuated rubella virus from the nose or throat has occurred in the majority of susceptible individuals 7 to 28 days after vaccination. There is no confirmed evidence to indicate that such virus is transmitted to susceptible persons who are in contact with the vaccinated individuals. Consequently, transmission through close personal contact, while accepted as a theoretical possibility, is not regarded as a significant risk. However, transmission of the rubella vaccine virus to infants via breast milk has been documented (see USE IN LACTATION as previously mentioned).
There are no reports of transmission of live attenuated measles or mumps viruses from vaccinees to susceptible contacts.
It has been reported that live attenuated measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccines given individually may result in a temporary depression of tuberculin skin sensitivity. Therefore, if a tuberculin test is to be done, it should be administered either any time before, simultaneously with, or at least 4 to 6 weeks after M-M-R II.
Children under treatment for tuberculosis have not experienced exacerbation of the disease when immunized with live measles virus vaccine; no studies have been reported to date of the effect of measles virus vaccines on untreated tuberculous children.
As for any vaccine, vaccination with M-M-R II may not result in protection in 100% of vaccinees.

Pregnancy: It is not known whether M-M-R II can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Therefore, the vaccine should not be administered to pregnant females; furthermore, pregnancy should be avoided for one month following vaccination (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
In an 18-year survey involving over 1200 pregnant women who received rubella vaccine within 3 months before or after conception (of whom 683 received the Wistar RA 27/3 strain), none of the newborns had abnormalities compatible with congenital rubella syndrome. Additional data from post-marketing reports and published observational studies have not identified abnormalities compatible with congenital rubella syndrome in patients who received M-M-R II. Mumps infection during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the rate of spontaneous abortion. Although mumps vaccine virus has been shown to infect the placenta and fetus, there is no evidence that it causes congenital malformations in humans. Reports have indicated that contracting of natural measles during pregnancy enhances fetal risk. Increased rates of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, congenital defects and prematurity have been observed subsequent to natural measles during pregnancy. There are no adequate studies of the attenuated (vaccine) strain of measles virus in pregnancy. However, it would be prudent to assume that the vaccine strain of virus is also capable of inducing adverse fetal effects.
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether measles or mumps vaccine virus is secreted in human milk. Recent studies have shown that lactating postpartum women immunized with live attenuated rubella vaccine may secrete the virus in breast milk and transmit it to breast-fed infants. In the infants with serological evidence of rubella infection, none exhibited severe disease; however, one exhibited mild clinical illness typical of acquired rubella. Caution should be exercised when M-M-R II is administered to a nursing woman.

The adverse reactions associated with the use of M-M-R II are those which have been reported following administration of the monovalent or combination vaccines.
Common: Burning and/or stinging of short duration at the injection site.
Occasional: Body as a whole: Fever ([101°F [38.3°C] or higher).
Skin: Rash, or measles-like rash, usually minimal but may be generalized. Generally, fever, rash, or both appear between the 5th and the 12th day.
Rare: Body as a whole: Mild local reactions such as erythema, induration and tenderness; sore throat, malaise, atypical measles, syncope, irritability.
Cardiovascular: Vasculitis.
Digestive: Parotitis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Hematologic/Lymphatic: Regional lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia, purpura.
Hypersensitivity: Allergic reactions such as wheal and flare at injection site, anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions, as well as related phenomena such as angioneurotic edema (including peripheral or facial edema) and bronchial spasm, urticaria in individuals with or without an allergic history.
Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia and/or arthritis (usually transient and rarely chronic [see as follows]), myalgia.
Nervous/Psychiatric: Febrile convulsions in children, afebrile convulsions or seizures, headache, dizziness, paresthesia, polyneuritis, polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, ataxia, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), transverse myelitis, aseptic meningitis (see as follows), measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE) (see CONTRAINDICATIONS), encephalitis/encephalopathy (see as follows).
Respiratory System: Pneumonia, pneumonitis (see CONTRAINDICATIONS), cough, rhinitis.
Skin: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy, vesiculation at injection site, swelling, pruritus.
Special Senses: Forms of optic neuritis, including retrobulbar neuritis, papillitis, and retinitis; ocular palsies, otitis media, nerve deafness, conjunctivitis.
Urogenital: Epididymitis, orchitis.
Others: Death from various, and in some cases unknown, causes has been reported rarely following vaccination with measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines; however, a causal relationship has not been established in healthy individuals (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). No deaths or permanent sequelae were reported in a published post-marketing surveillance study in Finland involving 1.5 million children and adults who were vaccinated with M-M-R II during 1982 to 1993.
Arthralgia and/or arthritis: Arthralgia and/or arthritis (usually transient and rarely chronic), and polyneuritis are features of natural rubella and vary in frequency and severity with age and sex, being greatest in adult females and least in prepubertal children.
Chronic arthritis has been associated with natural rubella infection and has been related to persistent virus and/or viral antigen isolated from body tissues. Only rarely have vaccine recipients developed chronic joint symptoms.
Following vaccination in children, reactions in joints are uncommon and generally of brief duration. In women, incidence rates for arthritis and arthralgia are generally higher than those seen in children (children: 0-3%; women: 12-20%), and the reactions tend to be more marked and of longer duration. Symptoms may persist for a matter of months or on rare occasions for years. In adolescent girls, the reactions appear to be intermediate in incidence between those seen in children and adult women. Even in older women (35 to 45 years), these reactions are generally well tolerated and rarely interfere with normal activities.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): There have been reports of SSPE in children who did not have a history of natural measles but did receive measles vaccine. Some of these cases may have resulted from unrecognized measles in the first year of life or possibly from the measles vaccination. Based on estimated nationwide measles vaccine distribution, the association of SSPE cases to measles vaccination is about one case per million vaccine doses distributed. This is far less than the association with natural measles, 6 to 22 cases of SSPE per million cases of measles. The results of a retrospective case-controlled study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that the overall effect of measles vaccine has been to protect against SSPE by preventing measles with its inherent higher risk of SSPE.
Aseptic meningitis: Cases of aseptic meningitis have been reported following measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination. Although a causal relationship between the Urabe strain of mumps vaccine and aseptic meningitis has been shown, there is no evidence to link Jeryl Lynn mumps vaccine to aseptic meningitis.
Encephalitis/encephalopathy: Encephalitis/encephalopathy have been reported approximately once for every 3 million doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc. Since 1978, post-marketing surveillance indicates that serious adverse events such as encephalitis and encephalopathy continue to be rarely reported. The risk of such serious neurological disorders following live measles virus vaccine administration remains far less than that for encephalitis and encephalopathy with wild-type measles (one per one thousand reported cases).
In severely immunocompromised individuals inadvertently vaccinated with measles-containing vaccine, measles inclusion body encephalitis, pneumonitis, and fatal outcome as a direct consequence of disseminated measles vaccine virus infection have been reported (see Contraindications); disseminated mumps and rubella vaccine virus infection have also been reported.
Panniculitis: Panniculitis has been reported rarely following administration of measles vaccine.

Administration of immune globulins concurrently with M-M-R II may interfere with the expected immune response. Vaccination should be deferred for 3 months or longer following administration of immune globulin (human) and blood or plasma transfusions.

To maintain potency, M-M-R II must be stored between -50°C and +8°C (-58°F to +46°F). Use of dry ice may subject M-M-R II to temperatures colder than -50°C (-58°F). Protect the vaccine from light at all times as such exposure may inactivate the viruses.
Before reconstitution, store the vial of lyophilized vaccine at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). The diluent may be stored in the refrigerator with the lyophilized vaccine or separately at room temperature. Do not freeze the diluent.
Combination pack containing lyophilized vaccine and diluent together should be stored at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
It is recommended that the vaccine be used as soon as possible after reconstitution. Store reconstituted vaccine in the vaccine vial in a dark place at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and discard if not used within 8 hours.
Shelf-Life: 24 months.

Vaccines, Antisera & Immunologicals

J07BD52 - measles, combinations with mumps and rubella, live attenuated ; Belongs to the class of morbilli viral vaccines.

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