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Mnexspike
Used for COVID-19
Used for COVID-19
MNEXSPIKE (Moderna COVID-19 vaccine) is an mRNA vaccine. It's a newer vaccine that helps prevent infection from COVID-19. MNEXSPIKE is FDA approved for people 65 years and older. It's also approved for people 12 to 64 years old with at least one health condition that raises their risk for severe COVID. This vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle. Most people only need 1 dose of MNEXSPIKE each year. Common side effects are injection site reactions, headache, and feeling tired.
What is MNEXSPIKE?
What is MNEXSPIKE used for?
- Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people 65 years and older
- Prevention of COVID-19 infection in people 12 to 64 years old with at least one risk factor that makes them more likely to have serious problems from COVID
How MNEXSPIKE works
MNEXSPIKE is an mRNA vaccine. It contains lab-made mRNA (genetic information). This piece of mRNA teaches your body to make a part of the "spike protein" found on the COVID-19 virus.
Your immune system sees this spike protein as something that doesn't belong in your body. This causes your immune system to make antibodies against the protein. These antibodies tell other immune cells to get rid of the protein from the body.
Afterwards, your immune system remembers what the COVID spike protein looks like. So if you get exposed to COVID, your immune system is ready to fight and protect you from getting very sick.
When does MNEXSPIKE start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | MNEXSPIKE |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | mRNA vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on MNEXSPIKE essentials
Side effects of MNEXSPIKE
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Pain at the injection site
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling or tenderness of lymph nodes in the armpit of the injected arm
Less Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
MNEXSPIKE serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Inflammation or swelling of the heart: chest pain, shortness of breath, a racing heart
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing; rash; hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
When do MNEXSPIKE possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Pain at injection site
Feeling tired
Headache
Muscle or joint pain
Chills
More on MNEXSPIKE side effects
The following MNEXSPIKE side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart muscle inflammation—unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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$256.13
GoodRx discount
$176.29
Pros and cons of MNEXSPIKE
Pros
- Approved for older adults and certain people 12 years and older
- Usually need just 1 shot each year
- Uses a lower dose of mRNA than Spikevax
Cons
- Doesn't guarantee that you won't get COVID (but helps prevent you from getting seriously sick)
- Must be given by a healthcare professional as an injection into the muscle
- Can cause temporary injection site reactions, muscle pain, and tiredness
Pharmacist tips for MNEXSPIKE
- A healthcare professional will give you the MNEXSPIKE shot into your muscle. You can usually get it at a pharmacy, a clinic, or sometimes a medical office.
- MNEXSPIKE can cause mild side effects like a sore arm, muscle aches, and chills. These are normal and are signs that your body is building up protection against the virus. Side effects should go away on their own in a few days.
- To help with arm pain or soreness, you can place a cool, wet washcloth where you got your MNEXSPIKE. You can also move your arm around to help it feel better faster.
- If you get a fever after your MNEXSPIKE shot, make sure to rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Before your MNEXSPIKE shot, you shouldn't take over-the-counter medications to try to prevent side effects from happening. This includes ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). We don't know if taking these medications ahead of time could affect how well the vaccine works.
- If you have side effects that bother you a lot after your MNEXSPIKE shot, talk to a healthcare professional. They can recommend ways to help you feel better.
- Call a healthcare professional if side effects get worse after 24 hours of getting your MNEXSPIKE shot. Also talk to a healthcare professional if side effects don't go away after a few days.
Risks and warnings for MNEXSPIKE
MNEXSPIKE can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Heart inflammation (swelling)
- Risk factors: Males between 12 and 24 years old | Second dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
Although very rare, mRNA COVID vaccines like MNEXSPIKE have been linked to a higher risk of heart inflammation. This includes myocarditis (swelling of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (swelling of the tissue around the heart).
From reported data, this risk has been higher in males between 12 and 24 years old. Symptoms have usually appeared in the first week after vaccination. Most people recover within a few days after they get medical help and supportive care.
Call a healthcare professional right away if you have possible signs of heart inflammation after your MNEXSPIKE shot. Watch for chest pain, shortness of breath, or a racing heart.
Possible fainting after vaccination
Some people have fainted shortly after getting vaccines that are injected into the muscle. Tell the healthcare professional if you've ever fainted after a vaccination. They can keep a close eye on you for about 15 minutes after you get MNEXSPIKE to make sure everything is okay. To prevent getting hurt from fainting, it's best to sit down to get your shot and while the care team is watching you.
Lowered response to MNEXSPIKE in people with a weakened immune system
- *Risk factors: Medication conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower the activity of the immune system
MNEXSPIKE might not work as well for people with a weakened immune system. This means they could still get very sick from COVID-19, even after getting the vaccine.
Before getting vaccinated, tell your care team about your health problems and any medications you take. Some conditions, like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cancer, can weaken the immune system. And some medications, like high-dose steroids and transplant medications, can also make your immune system weaker.
If you have a weak immune system, keep taking steps to protect yourself from COVID. Talk to a healthcare professional about more ways to prevent getting sick.
MNEXSPIKE dosage
The average cost for 1 syringe of 0.2ml/dose of MNEXSPIKE is $176.29 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 31.17% off the average retail price of $256.13. 
Syringe
Syringe| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2ml/dose | 1 syringe | $176.29 | $176.29 |
Typical dosage for MNEXSPIKE
MNEXSPIKE is injected into the muscle by a healthcare professional.
The typical dose is 1 injection (0.2 mL) into the muscle for the year. You should receive your injection at least 3 months after the last COVID shot you got.
How much does MNEXSPIKE cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Mnexspike (brand)
$176.29
MNEXSPIKE contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because MNEXSPIKE will not be safe for you to take.
- Previous severe allergic reaction to MNEXSPIKE or Spikevax
What are alternatives to MNEXSPIKE?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of MNEXSPIKE. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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