LThe marketing of the ZOSTAVAX shingles vaccine powder and solvent for suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe (live attenuated vaccine) and the presentation with sensor within the ENERZAIR BREEZHALER 114 µg/46 µg/136 µg powder for inhalation in capsule range have been discontinued. .
End of marketing for the ZOSTAVAX vaccine
The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) and the MSD laboratory confirm the cessation of marketing of the shingles vaccine ZOSTAVAX powder and solvent for suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe (live attenuated vaccine) during June 2024 [1, 2].
ZOSTAVAX has been marketed since 2015 in France. It was the first shingles vaccine made available (cf. our article of June 15, 2015).
A second place in the vaccination strategy
The cessation of marketing of ZOSTAVAX was mentioned in the latest version of the 2024 vaccination schedule (cf. our article of May 7, 2024).
According to current recommendations relating to vaccination against shingles [3], the SHINGRIX vaccine powder and suspension for suspension for injection must now be used preferentially for the vaccination of immunocompetent people aged 65 and over, according to a 2-dose schedule 2 months apart (M0 and M2). As a reminder, SHINGRIX is a recombinant vaccine with adjuvant (category: inactivated vaccines) while ZOSTAVAX is a live attenuated vaccine. SHINGRIX is the only vaccine that can be used in adults aged 18 and older who are immunocompromised. In these populations, they benefit from coverage by Health Insurance under the direct access system (cf. our article of May 30, 2024), while awaiting support under common law.
In practice: flow of stocks and Italian units
The marketing of ZOSTAVAX will cease when the laboratory’s stock is completely exhausted.
Units in stock held in distribution channels (wholesalers, pharmacies) can be used until the expiry date of the last French batch distributed (lot X026375, expiry January 31, 2025).
At the same time as this marketing stop, units imported from the Italian version ZOSTAVAX powder and solvent for suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe are put into circulation in France (lot X019165, expiry 11/30/2024). This transition measure aims to ensure the continuity of treatments and vaccination schedules initiated with ZOSTAVAX. Once the stock of imported boxes has expired, distribution will be definitively stopped.
Notices relating to French rules of prescription and delivery and the warning addressed to pregnant women do not appear on the box of the imported specialty :
- red border and list I;
- pregnancy pictogram (ZOSTAVAX + PREGNANCY = PROHIBITED).
ENERZAIR BREEZHALER range: imminent discontinuation of the presentation with the sensor
Within the ENERZAIR BREEZHALER 114 µg/46 µg/136 µg powder for inhalation in capsule range, the Novartis laboratory is ending the marketing of the presentation with the sensor:
- box of 30 capsules + inhaler + sensor, CIP 3400930208908
The distribution of this presentation to wholesale distributors will stop in July 2024. This presentation remains refundable until stocks run out.
The box presentation of 30 capsules with sensorless inhaler remains available (CIP 3400930208892).
As a reminder, ENERZAIR BREEZHALER is indicated for the continuous treatment of asthma in adults. Once attached to the inhaler, the electronic sensor was used to record usage data on the Propeller application, via Bluetooth. This sensor is not necessary for administering the drug to the patient.
