Menactra Side Effects

Generic name: meningococcal conjugate vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 10, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Menactra Side Effects associated with meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Menactra.

Applies to meningococcal conjugate vaccine: intramuscular solution.

Other dosage forms:

• intramuscular suspension

Common side effects of Menactra

Some side effects of meningococcal conjugate vaccine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• difficulty in moving
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• muscle pain
• pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare side effects

• dizziness

Serious side effects of Menactra

Along with its needed effects, meningococcal conjugate vaccine (the active ingredient contained in Menactra) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking meningococcal conjugate vaccine:

Rare side effects

• fainting

Incidence not known

• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• hoarseness
• irritation
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• redness of the skin
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing or swallowing

For healthcare professionals

Applies to meningococcal conjugate vaccine: intramuscular powder for injection, intramuscular solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were injection site pain, irritability, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue.^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (48.1%), injection site redness (16%), injection site induration (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site swelling, injection site hematoma
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Injection site reaction, injection site cellulitis, extensive swelling of the injected limb (frequently associated with erythema, sometimes involving the adjacent joint or swelling of the entire injected limb)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (41.8%), drowsiness (11.2%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness, hypoesthesia
• Postmarketing reports: Vasovagal syncope, paresthesia, Guillain-Barre syndrome, vertigo, tonic convulsion, febrile convulsion, vertigo, vestibular disorder, syncope, facial paresis, balance disorder^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (14%), nausea
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (32.3%), malaise (22.3%), fever
• Common (1% to 10%): Chills, crying
• Postmarketing reports: Asthenia, impaired hearing, ear pain, fall, head injury, body temperature increased^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Bullous conditions^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (16%), myalgia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pain in extremity
• Postmarketing reports: Bone pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Irritability (12.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Appetite lost
• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, eating disorder^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nasopharyngitis
• Postmarketing reports: Oropharyngeal pain^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity (such as rash, urticaria, pruritus, dyspnea, angioedema) including anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Postmarketing reports: Alanine aminotransferase increased^[Ref]

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Eyelid ptosis^[Ref]

Further information

Menactra side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer