Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox in children. When this
virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause herpes zoster, or shingles. Zoster vaccine is a
live vaccine that helps prevent shingles.
This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to
develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already
developed in the body.
Zoster vaccine is used to
prevent
herpes zoster virus (shingles) in
people age 60 and older.
Zoster vaccine
will not treat
shingles or nerve pain caused by shingles
(post-herpetic neuralgia).
Zoster vaccine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zoster vaccine live?
You should not receive this vaccine if you have:
active untreated tuberculosis;
leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancer affecting bone
marrow;
a history of allergic reaction to gelatin or neomycin
(Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab);
a weak immune system caused by disease (such as HIV or
AIDS), or by receiving medications such as steroids or chemotherapy; or
if you are pregnant.
Before receiving zoster vaccine, tell your doctor if you have:
a history of allergic reaction to any vaccine; or
if you have never had chickenpox.
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have
tuberculosis, or any other severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get
better before receiving this vaccine.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive this vaccine, or you
may need to wait until a later time when you are well.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth
control to prevent pregnancy for at least 3 months after receiving this vaccine.
It is not known whether zoster vaccine passes into breast milk, or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Zoster vaccine should not be given to a child.
How should I take zoster vaccine live?
Zoster vaccine is given as an injection under the skin. You will receive this vaccine in a
doctor's office or other clinic setting.
Zoster vaccine is usually given as a one-time injection. Unless your doctor tells you
otherwise, you will not need a booster vaccine.
What happens if I miss a dose of zoster vaccine live?
Since zoster vaccine is given as a one-time injection, you are not likely to be on a dosing
schedule.
Where can I get more information about zoster vaccine live?
Your pharmacist has information about zoster vaccine live written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of zoster vaccine live?
You should not receive a second zoster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic
reaction after the first shot.
Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. If you
ever need to receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused
any side effects.
Becoming infected with shingles is much more dangerous to your health than receiving
the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the
risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
pain, redness, bruising, or swelling where the shot was given;
diarrhea;
headache; or
mild skin rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about zoster vaccine live?
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have tuberculosis, or any
other severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving
this vaccine.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic
reaction after the first shot.
Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. If you ever
need to receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any
side effects.
Becoming infected with herpes zoster (shingles) is much more dangerous to your health
than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side
effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
Do not receive this vaccine if you have leukemia or lymphoma (or other cancer
affecting bone marrow), a history of allergic reaction to neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin,
Neo-Tab). You should not receive this vaccine if you are pregnant, or if you have active
untreated tuberculosis, any type of cancer that affects bone marrow, or a weak immune system
caused by disease (such as HIV or AIDS) or by receiving medications such as steroids or
chemotherapy.
What should I avoid while taking zoster vaccine live?
After receiving this vaccine, avoid coming into contact with other people who have never
had chickenpox, especially if they are pregnant.
What other drugs will affect zoster vaccine live?
There may be other drugs that can affect zoster vaccine. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of zoster vaccine live?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009