Bexsero: Dosage information, potential side effects, related medications, and detailed overview
Meningitis B, a potentially life-threatening infection, continues to pose a significant health risk. Bexsero, a FDA-approved vaccine, is currently the only means to help prevent this disease.
Bexsero, a liquid suspension given as an intramuscular injection, is prescribed to adults up to the age of 25 years and children aged 10 years and older. The recommended schedule for Bexsero includes two doses, with the second dose at least one month after the first.
Bexsero works by teaching the immune system to produce specific antibodies that target and kill the bacteria causing meningitis B. It's not likely that Bexsero causes long-term side effects. However, mild side effects such as fatigue, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, fainting, pain, discoloration, or thickened skin around the injection site, and mild allergic reactions, are common. More severe allergic reactions, including swelling under the skin, swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat, and trouble breathing, are rare but possible.
It's unclear whether it's safe to have a Bexsero injection during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Alcohol is not known to interact with Bexsero. The vaccine does not interact with other vaccines or medications.
As of mid-2025, there are no publicly disclosed biosimilars for Bexsero in advanced development or available on the market. GSK, the original manufacturer of Bexsero, reports no biosimilar for this vaccine in their publicly available pipeline or recent updates. The complex development and regulatory pathways for vaccine biosimilars, compared to biologics, may be contributing to the lack of available biosimilars for Bexsero.
While biosimilars to some biologics are entering the market, a biosimilar for the meningitis B vaccine Bexsero is not yet developed or nearing approval, according to all available 2025 information from GSK, regulatory summaries, and formulary updates.
Other meningitis vaccines are available to help prevent meningitis. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable vaccine based on individual health conditions and risk factors.
