Comparison of Infanrix Hexa vs. Hexaxim-painless dpt 6 in1 combo
Comparison of Infanrix Hexa vs. Hexaxim
1. Efficacy Rate
- Infanrix Hexa (GSK): Over 95% efficacy across all six diseases (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, and Hib).
- Hexaxim (Sanofi): Over 95% efficacy for all six diseases, similar to Infanrix Hexa.
Key Difference: Both vaccines offer similar high efficacy rates.
2. Composition and Formulation
- Infanrix Hexa: Acellular pertussis (DTaP) with inactivated polio (IPV), requiring reconstitution.
- Hexaxim: Fully liquid formulation (DTaP and IPV), no reconstitution required.
Key Difference: Hexaxim's liquid form offers ease of administration, while Infanrix Hexa requires reconstitution before use.
3. Age of Administration
- Infanrix Hexa: Administered starting at 6 weeks of age.
- Hexaxim: Same, starting at 6 weeks.
Key Difference: No difference in age or schedule of administration.
4. Dosage
- Infanrix Hexa: 3 doses in the primary series with possible boosters.
- Hexaxim: Follows a similar 3-dose schedule.
Key Difference: Both follow identical dosage schedules.
5. Side Effects
- Infanrix Hexa: Common side effects include mild fever, irritability, and redness at the injection site.
- Hexaxim: Similar side effects including mild fever and soreness at the injection site.
Key Difference: The side effect profile is nearly identical for both vaccines.
6. Storage Requirements
- Infanrix Hexa: Stored at 2-8°C.
- Hexaxim: Stored at 2-8°C.
Key Difference: Storage conditions are the same.
7. Cost
- Infanrix Hexa: ₹3,500 to ₹4,000 per dose.
- Hexaxim: Higher price, ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹4,500 per dose.
Key Difference: Hexaxim is slightly costlier than Infanrix Hexa, contrary to the earlier information.
8. Years Since Production
- Infanrix Hexa: First launched in 2000, making it 24 years old as of 2024.
- Hexaxim: Launched in 2013, making it 11 years old as of 2024.
Key Difference: Infanrix Hexa has been in use for a longer time, with over 24 years of post-market surveillance, compared to Hexaxim’s 11 years.
9. Global Usage
- Infanrix Hexa: Widely used in over 100 countries, including both developed and developing nations.
- Hexaxim: Approved in over 60 countries, with growing use in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Key Difference: Infanrix Hexa has broader global coverage, having been in the market longer and used in a larger number of countries. Hexaxim, although newer, is gaining ground but is used in fewer countries compared to Infanrix Hexa.
10. WHO Pre-Qualification
- Infanrix Hexa: WHO pre-qualified.
- Hexaxim: WHO pre-qualified.
Key Difference: Both are WHO pre-qualified, ensuring global safety and efficacy standards.
11. Convenience
- Infanrix Hexa: Requires reconstitution, which can add a step to the vaccination process.
- Hexaxim: Comes in a fully liquid formulation, making it more convenient for administration.
Key Difference: Hexaxim has an advantage in convenience due to its liquid, ready-to-use format.
12. Brand Reputation
- Infanrix Hexa: Produced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global leader in vaccine manufacturing.
- Hexaxim: Produced by Sanofi, another leading global pharmaceutical company.
Key Difference: Both brands are highly reputable, but Infanrix Hexa has been in use longer and may carry more familiarity with healthcare professionals globally.
Conclusion: Which Vaccine is Better?
Cost: Infanrix Hexa is slightly more affordable compared to Hexaxim, making it the better option if cost is a priority.
Global Experience and Post-Market Data: Infanrix Hexa has been in use for over 24 years and is approved in more countries, offering a longer history of safety data and global trust.
Convenience: Hexaxim has an edge due to its liquid formulation, making it easier and quicker to administer without the need for reconstitution.
Global Reach: Infanrix Hexa has a broader global presence, used in over 100 countries, while Hexaxim is available in 60+ countries.
Recommendation:
- If cost and global trust are more important, Infanrix Hexa may be the better option due to its longer history and wider usage.
- If convenience during administration is a priority and cost is less of a concern, Hexaxim is a good choice due to its ready-to-use liquid formulation, though it comes at a higher price.
