HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE (TYPES 16,18) - INJECTION
Common Brand Name(s): Cervarix
Information last revised June 2010
What does HPV(TYPES 16,18) - INJECTION look like?
Cervarix 20 mcg-20 mcg/0.5 mL IM Susp
Cervarix 20 mcg-20 mcg/0.5 mL IM Syringe
Uses:
This medication is a vaccine used to prevent cancer of the cervix. It is also used to prevent abnormal tissue growth in the cervix that can lead to cancer. These conditions are commonly caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccines work by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the virus. This medication does not protect against all types of HPV, only the types in the vaccine. It is used to prevent the diseases and will not treat active cervical cancer or other diseases caused by the types of HPV in the vaccine.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose in the vaccination schedule, contact your doctor immediately.
How To Use
Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care provider. This vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm by a health care professional. This vaccine is given as 3 separate doses. The second dose should be given 1 month after the first dose, and the third dose should be given 6 months after the first dose. Follow the vaccination schedule closely for the vaccine to be most effective. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to receive your next dose.
Drug Interactions
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone), drugs that weaken the immune system (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
Notes
As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not fully protect everyone who receives it. Getting this vaccine does not replace cervical cancer screening. Continue to have regular obstetrician/gynecologist checkups. Keep vaccine records for yourself and all of your children, and after your children are grown provide their records to them and their doctors. This will prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.
Overdose
Overdose with this vaccine is highly unlikely. If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to latex; or to other vaccines; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems (such as HIV infection), bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), current fever/illness. This vaccine can cause some patients to faint, which could cause falling and injury. To reduce the risk of this side effect, your doctor may recommend that you stay in a sitting or lying position for 15 minutes after the injection. Infrequently, fainting along with seizure-like movements have occurred, and have usually been stopped by placing the patient in a lying position with the face up. This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor's office and will not be stored at home.
Side Effects
Redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Some patients have fainted after receiving this vaccine. See also Precautions section. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US, you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
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