Categories
- Alternative medicines
- Anti-infectives
- Antineoplastics
- Biologicals
- Cardiovascular agents
- Central nervous system agents
- Coagulation modifiers
- Gastrointestinal agents
- Genitourinary tract agents
- Hormones
- Immunologic agents
- Medical gas
- Metabolic agents
- Miscellaneous agents
- Inactive Ingredients
- Nutritional products
- Plasma expanders
- Psychotherapeutic agents
- Radiologic agents
- Respiratory agents
- Topical agents
- Uncategorized
This vaccine helps to protect high-risk patients against a certain type of serious bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). This medication is also used to control an outbreak of this infection if it occurs. This vaccine does not protect you against all strains of this type of bacteria.
Vaccines work by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies). Enough antibodies to protect you are usually produced within 7-10 days after you receive this vaccine.
How to use Menomune - A/C/Y/W-135 (PF) SubQ
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 only under the skin (subcutaneously) by a healthcare professional.
You may need to have another dose of vaccine if you are still at high risk for infection 2-3 years after your last shot. Ask your doctor for more details.
This medication can be given at the same time as most other vaccines, using separate injection sites and separate syringes. However, it must not be given at the same time as whole-cell pertussis or typhoid vaccines.
Pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site commonly occur and usually last 1-2 days. Headache and fever may also occur. Ask your doctor if you should take a fever/pain reducer (e.g., acetaminophen) to help treat these symptoms. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify 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.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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.
See also How to Use and Drug Interactions sections.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex or dry natural rubber that can be found in the vial stopper), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: your vaccination/immunization history, recent illness or fever, immune system problems (e.g., due to cancer treatment, organ transplant, HIV).
Some brands of this product may contain a small amount of mercury from a preservative (thimerosal). Consult your doctor for more information.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
This drug should not be used at the same time as whole-cell pertussis or typhoid vaccines because very serious interactions may occur.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: cancer chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), drugs that weaken your immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES:
It is important to understand the risks and benefits of vaccinations. Discuss this with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE:
Not applicable.
STORAGE:
Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor\'s office and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised August 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
