GARDASIL IM Warnings
GARDASIL IM Uses
This medication is a vaccine used to prevent cancer of the cervix, vagina, and the area around the outside of the vagina (vulva). It is also used to prevent genital warts and abnormal tissue growth in the cervix/vagina/vulva that can lead to cancer in women. 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/vaginal/vulvar cancer, genital warts, or other diseases caused by the types of HPV in the vaccine.
How to use GARDASIL IMRead 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 thigh or upper arm by a health care professional. This vaccine must not be injected directly into a vein.
Before using, shake the medication well. It should be a white, cloudy liquid after shaking. Check the product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
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.
GARDASIL IM Side Effects
Redness, itching, swelling, bruising, and pain at the injection site may occur. Fever may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell 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.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: joint pain/swelling.
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.
GARDASIL IM Precautions
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.
Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems (e.g., HIV infection), bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), current fever/illness.
This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
GARDASIL IM Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone), drugs that weaken the 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.
GARDASIL IM Overdose
Overdose with this vaccine is highly unlikely. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should 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.
MISSED DOSE:If you miss a dose in the vaccination schedule, contact your doctor immediately.
STORAGE:Store refrigerated between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised March 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.
