Purevax Rc
European Medicines Agency Veterinary Medicines
EMEA/V/C/091
EUROPEAN PUBLIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (EPAR)
PUREVAX RC EPAR summary for the public
This document is a summary of the European Public Assessment Report. Its purpose is to explain how the assessment done by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) on the basis of the documentation provided, led to the recommendations on the conditions of use. This document cannot replace a face-to-face discussion with your veterinarian. If you need more information about your animal’s medical condition or treatment, contact your veterinarian. If you want more information on the basis of the CVMP recommendations, read the Scientific Discussion (also part of the EPAR)._
What is Purevax RC?
Purevax RC is a vaccine containing the following active substances:
• attenuated (weakened) feline rhinotracheitis herpesvirus (FHV F2 strain),
• inactivated (killed) calicivirosis antigens (FCV 431 and G1 strains).
Purevax RC is a lyophilisate (freeze-dried pellet) and solvent that are made up into a suspension for injection.
What is Purevax RC used for?
Purevax RC is used to vaccinate cats from the age of 8 weeks against the following diseases:
• feline viral rhinotracheitis (a flu-like illness caused by a herpesvirus),
• feline calicivirosis (a flu-like illness with inflammation of the mouth caused by a calicivirus).
The vaccine helps to reduce the symptoms of the diseases and also helps to reduce viral excretion in case of calicivirus infection.
After Purevax RC has been made up, 1 ml is injected under the skin. The first injection should be given in cats aged at least eight weeks, with a second injection three to four weeks later. If the cat has high levels of antibodies inherited from the mother, the first vaccination should be delayed until 12 weeks of age. The cat should be revaccinated for all components one year after the first vaccination course, then every year.
How does Purevax RC work?
Purevax RC is a vaccine. Vaccines work by ‘teaching’ the immune system (the body’s natural defences) how to defend itself against diseases. Purevax RC contains small amounts of weakened or killed viruses that cause the diseases listed above.
When a cat is given the vaccine, the immune system recognises the weakened or killed viruses as ‘foreign’ and makes antibodies against them. In the future, the immune system will be able to produce antibodies more quickly when it is again exposed to the viruses. The antibodies will help to protect against the diseases caused by these viruses. When exposed to any of these viruses later in life, the cat will either not become infected or have a much less serious infection.
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How has Purevax RC been studied?
The effectiveness of Purevax RC has been studied in several trials in laboratory conditions where cats were vaccinated and infected with virulent herpesvirus and calicivirus. In the field, the studies of Purevax RC looked at the basic vaccination schedule (2 injections 3-4 weeks apart) and at the booster vaccination (only one injection). They included young and adult cats of various breeds, but not young kittens. The main measure of effectiveness was the level of antibodies in the blood against the viruses in the vaccine.
What benefit has Purevax RC shown during the studies?
In laboratory conditions Purevax RC was demonstrated to provide protection against the diseases listed above. In the field study of basic vaccination there was an increase in antibodies against feline rhinotracheitis herpesvirus and calicivirus infection. In the study looking at booster vaccination, antibody levels against rhinotracheitis herpesvirus and calicivirus infection remained stable at a high level or increased slightly.
What is the risk associated with Purevax RC?
Occasionally, cats will develop temporary apathy (loss of interest in surroundings) and anorexia (loss of appetite), as well as hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) lasting for one or two days. There may be a local reaction at the injection site, with slight pain on touching, itching or oedema (swelling), which disappears within one or two weeks. For a full list of the side-effects reported with Purevax RC, see the Package Leaflet.
Purevax RC should not be used in pregnant cats.
What are the precautions for the person who gives the medicine or comes into contact with the animal?
In case of accidental self-injection seek medical advice immediately and show the Package Leaflet or the label to the doctor.
Why has Purevax RC been approved?
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) concluded that the benefits of Purevax RC exceed the risks for the active immunisation of cats aged eight weeks or older against the diseases listed above, and recommended that Purevax RC be given a marketing authorisation. The benefit-risk balance may be found in module 6 of this EPAR.
Other information about Purevax RC:
The European Commission granted a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union for Purevax RC to MERIAL on 23 February 2005.
This summary was last updated on 25 January 2008.
©EMEA 2008 2/2