Regulator warns Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine could cause nerve disorder

*The US regulatory agency states Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 Vaccine could lead to an elevated risk of developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition, though the odds of vaccine recipients getting the symptoms appear to be extremely low

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In view of the regulator’s caution that the vaccine could lead to a medical condition, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers concerning the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine.

The regulatory agency stated the Coronavirus vaccine brand could lead to an elevated risk of developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition, agency report said.

ConsumerConnect reports Janssen’s latest fact sheet for recipients and caregivers detailing the symptoms describes Guillain-Barré syndrome as “a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.”

The FDA, however, said that the upsides of being vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine far outweigh the chances of vaccinated people developing the syndrome.

In putting actual odds to the chances of contracting Guillain-Barré, New York Times also reported that the probability is estimated to be three to five times higher among recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine than among the general population in the United States.

Officials are reported to have identified 100 suspected cases of Guillain-Barré among recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine thus far, report noted.

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome and what are the symptoms?

According to Janssen’s latest fact sheet for recipients and caregivers issued Monday, July 12, 2021, Guillain-Barré syndrome is “a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.”

In cases reported to Janssen, the company said in situations where the syndrome occurred in people who had received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, the symptoms began within 42 days following receipt of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and included the following traits:

Weakness or tingling sensations, especially in the legs or arms, that’s worsening and spreading to other parts of the body

Difficulty walking

Difficulty with facial movements, including speaking, chewing, or swallowing

Double vision or inability to move eyes

Difficulty with bladder control or bowel function

What to do if you experience a severe allergic reaction after vaccination

Janssen has noted that things such as pain, redness of the skin and swelling, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, and fever are typical side effects of getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The company, however, said if anyone experiences something more severe, the company said consumers should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. After doing that, the suggested next steps are:

Call the vaccination provider or your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

Report vaccine side effects to the FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967, or consumers can send a report online here.

Please include “Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine EUA” in the first line of box #18 of the report form.

The company also says consumers can also report any side effects to Janssen Biotech toll-free on 1-800-565-4008.