Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine, live (Injection)

Introduction

Measles Virus Vaccine, Live (MEE-zuls VYE-rus vak-SEEN, lyve), Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live (mumps VYE-rus vak-SEEN, lyve), Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live (roo-BELL-a VYE-rus vak-SEEN, lyve), Varicella Virus Vaccine (ver-a-SEL-la VYE-rus vak-seen)

Prevents infection by the measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chicken pox) viruses. This vaccine is used in children 12 months to 12 years of age.

Brand Name(s)

ProQuad

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

This vaccine should not be given to children who have had an allergic reaction to measles vaccine, mumps vaccine, rubella vaccine, varicella vaccine, or to neomycin or gelatin. Do not give this vaccine to children who are receiving certain steroid medicines (such as dexamethasone or prednisolone), medicine to treat cancer, or other medicines that weaken the immune system. Pregnant women or patients who have a blood or bone marrow disorder, AIDS, active untreated tuberculosis (TB), or any infection with fever should not receive this vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your child's doctor will prescribe the exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under the skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If your child misses a 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.

• Your child should not take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin (such as some cold medicines) for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine. Carefully check the label of any pain, headache, or cold medicine your child use to be sure it does not contain aspirin or salicylic acid.
• Talk to your doctor before your child gets flu shots or other vaccines while he is receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make your child ill while using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while pregnant can harm the unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should avoid getting pregnant for 3 months after receiving this vaccine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if your child is breastfeeding, or if your child has a history of head injury, seizures, or high fever.
• Tell your doctor if your child has had an allergic reaction to eggs.
• If your child develops a rash after getting this vaccine, he should avoid close contact with people at high risk for catching the virus until after the rash is gone and any skin sores have completely healed. People who are mostly at risk of catching the virus are pregnant women, newborn babies, and people whose bodies cannot fight infection (such as with bone marrow disease, cancer drug treatment, or AIDS). Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. This medicine is made from donated human blood that has been tested for viruses to keep from spreading infections. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made of human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during manufacture of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• Make sure your doctor knows if your child has recently had a blood or plasma transfusion, or received an immune globulin.

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.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Ear pain or discharge.
• High fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

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

• Irritability.
• Mild skin rash.
• Redness, pain, swelling, itching, blistering, or rash where the shot was given.
• Vomiting.