Swiss warn on H1N1 vaccine with autoimmune disease

Last Updated: 2010-01-20 12:02:22 -0400 (Reuters Health)

* Says autoimmune patients should not take Novartis vaccine

* Regulator says could lead to intensifying of disease

ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland's medical regulator recommended patients with serious autoimmune diseases should not use an H1N1 flu vaccine from Novartis, saying there were no studies assessing the inoculation in that segment of the population.

Swissmedic said on Wednesday it could not be ruled out that either or both of the adjuvant -- which can enhance the immune response -- and the antigen, or less active ingredient, could lead to an intensifying of autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, are caused by an overly active immune system attacking its own body, targeting substances which are normally present.

Novartis was not immediately available to comment.