ALDEN WILLIAMS/Stuff
Medsafe is encouraging people to report suspected adverse reactions including pericarditis following mpox vaccination, after receiving two reports.
The medicines safety authority is seeking information from doctors on possible cases of pericarditis following monkeypox (mpox) vaccination.
Medsafe has this week issued a Monitoring Communication following two reports to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) of pericarditis “suspected to be related to vaccination with mpox”.
A monitoring communication does not mean that the medicine, vaccine, or medical device causes an adverse event.
Pericarditis refers to inflammation of the pericardial sac (the bag-like membrane around the heart). There are many possible causes, including viral infection. It has also been reported with Covid-19 vaccination (Pfizer and Novavax).
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Pericarditis is “usually mild”, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medsafe advises it is treatable and outcomes are better the sooner treatment is started.
An mpox vaccine was introduced in Aotearoa on January 16, and is available if prescribed by a medical practitioner to people who meet eligibility criteria.
As of February 22, 1842 doses had been administered in New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora previously told Stuff.
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Any suspected adverse reactions, including cases of pericarditis, after mpox vaccination should be reported to CARM, Medsafe said.
Healthcare professionals were recommended to discuss this potential adverse effect with patients receiving mpox vaccination, and advise them to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms, a bulletin released by the Best Practice Advisory Centre on Friday said.
People are urged to seek urgent medical attention should they experience signs and symptoms suggestive of pericarditis in the first couple of weeks after vaccination, including:
- Chest pain (new onset or an increase in severity of existing chest pain), chest discomfort or heaviness;
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
- Chest pain that gets worse when coughing, lying down, or taking a deep breath.
Medsafe and Te Whatu Ora have been approached for comment.
