Human papillomavirus recombinant vaccine, quadrivalent (Injection)

Introduction

Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, 18)

Prevents cervical cancer, genital warts, and abnormal or precancerous diseases of the cervix, vagina, or vulva caused by 4 specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV), in girls and women 9 to 26 years of age.

Brand Name(s)

Gardasil

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to human papillomavirus recombinant vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This vaccine is usually given as 3 shots. After the first dose, two more doses are given at 2 months and 6 months after the first dose, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss your scheduled shot, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are receiving a treatment or using a medicine that causes a weak immune system. This may include radiation therapy, steroid medicine (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone, Cortef®, Medrol®), or cancer medicine (such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, Adriamycin®, Cytoxan®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a weak immune system because of a disease (such as HIV infection or a genetic defect) or a medicine (such as steroids). Tell your doctor if you have an active infection that is causing fever or chills. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a bleeding problem (such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia).
• This vaccine will not treat cervical cancer, genital warts, or other diseases caused by HPV. It will not protect you against diseases that are caused by HPV types not in the vaccine. This vaccine will not protect you against diseases that are not caused by HPV.
• This vaccine does not replace your routine cervical cancer screening. You will need to see your doctor for screening tests even after receiving this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Fever.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.