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.