Arexvy is a brand-name injection that’s prescribed to help prevent lung disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults. As with other drugs, Arexvy can cause side effects, such as fatigue and muscle pain.

Arexvy can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who received Arexvy in clinical trials:

  • fatigue
  • fever
  • aching muscles or joints*
  • injection site reactions*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Arexvy use. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Arexvy’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that people using Arexvy have reported include:

  • fatigue
  • headache
  • fever
  • aching muscles or joints*
  • injection site reactions*
  • mild allergic reaction

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to a week. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) track side effects of vaccines. If you’d like to notify the FDA and CDC about a side effect you’ve had after receiving Arexvy, you can do so through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
An allergic reaction is possible after using Arexvy. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Serious side effects from Arexvy were rare in clinical trials, but they can occur. It’s not clear if the side effects were actually caused by the vaccine. For more information, you can refer to Arexvy’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Arexvy, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects from Arexvy can include a severe allergic reaction.*

* An allergic reaction is possible after using Arexvy. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Arexvy may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Are side effects of Arexvy similar to those seen with Abrysvo?

Yes, the side effects reported with Arexvy and Abyrsvo in older adults were similar. The most common side effects for both drugs include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain.

Abrysvo is also approved for use during pregnancy to help prevent RSV in a newborn. People who were pregnant while receiving Abrysvo also reported nausea after receiving the vaccine.

If you have questions or concerns about the side effects of Arexvy, talk with your doctor.

How long do side effects of Arexvy typically last?

Most side effects caused by Arexvy are typically mild and should only last for a day or two after your injection.

If you experience side effects that become more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Arexvy may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Arexvy.

Injection site reactions

Arexvy is given as an injection into the deltoid muscle on your upper arm. Pain in the area where you received the injection is the most common side effect in clinical trials. Other commonly reported reactions at the injection site include redness or discoloration and swelling.

What you can do

Injection site reactions will typically go away on their own after a few days. There are steps you can take to help relieve the symptoms if they bother you. Applying a cold compress may help reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor also may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), which can help reduce pain and swelling.

Talk with your doctor if you experience injection site reactions that do not go away or worsen over time.

Aching muscles or joints were a common side effect in clinical trials of Arexvy. This aching feeling is typically in the the arm you received your injection of Arexvy. Some people even reported aching joints.

Typically, aching muscles or joints will improve on their own and go away after a few days. If aching muscles or joints bother you, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication to relieve your symptoms. Possible medications that can help are acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

Let your doctor know if your aching muscles or joints do not improve or get worse after recieving Arexvy.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Arexvy can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Arexvy. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you receive a dose of Arexvy. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:

A weakened immune system: If you have a weak immune system, Arexvy may not work as well. Talk with your doctor before receiving this vaccine if you have a weakened immune system or are taking any treatment that may weaken your immune system.

Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Arexvy or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Arexvy. Ask your doctor what other options are available for you.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Arexvy is not approved for people under age 60 years. It is unknown if the vaccine is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before receiving Arexvy.

Alcohol consumption: There are no known interactions between Avexvy and alcohol. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about alcohol use before or after getting the vaccine.

If you’d like to learn more about Arexvy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Arexvy: For details about other aspects of Arexvy, refer to this article.
  • Dosage: For information about the dosage of Arexvy, view this article.
  • A look at your condition: For details about RSV, see this article.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.