GARDASIL (RECOMBINANT HPV QUADRIVALENT VACCINE)

This is a vaccine used to prevent cancer of the anus, abnormal tissue growth of the anus, or genital warts caused by certain types of papillomavirus (HPV). It is also used to prevent cancer of the cervix/vagina/vulva and abnormal tissue growth in these areas that can lead to cancer. Vaccines work by increasing the body’s natural defense against the virus.

This vaccine 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 anal/cervical/vaginal/vulvar cancer, genital warts, or other diseases caused by the types of HPV in the vaccine.

Uses

Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm by a health care professional.

This vaccine is given as 3 separate doses. The second dose should be given 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose should be given 6 months after the first dose. The vaccination schedule should be followed closely for the vaccine to be most effective.

Warnings

This vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. Consult your doctor for more details.

Side Effects

This vaccine can cause mild side effects and 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.

Precautions

Precautions

Inform the health care professional of your medical history or if you are allergic to it; or to yeast; or to other vaccines; or if you have any other allergies before taking this vaccine. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. You should not receive a booster vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: “blood thinners” (such as warfarin), cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone), drugs that weaken the immune system (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus).

Overdose & Brands

Available brand:

Gardasil (Merck Sharp & Dohme)