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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.
How to use Cervarix Vaccine (PF) IM
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.
Redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Infrequently, fainting, along with temporary symptoms such as vision changes, numbness/tingling, or seizure-like movements have happened after vaccine injections. Tell your health care provider right away if you feel lightheaded or dizzy soon after receiving an injection. Usually, promptly laying down with the legs raised will relieve these symptoms.
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.
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.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vaccines; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in the packaging of some products), 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose in the vaccination schedule, contact your doctor immediately.
STORAGE:
Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor\'s office and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised October 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.
