Gardasil IM Warnings
Gardasil IM Uses
This medication is a vaccine used to prevent cancer of the anus, abnormal tissue growth of the anus, or genital warts. In girls and women, it is also used to prevent cancer of the cervix/vagina/vulva and abnormal tissue growth in these areas 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 anal/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 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.
Fainting has also occurred in some patients after receiving this vaccine. See the Precautions section for more details.
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. This product may contain inactive ingredients, 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 (e.g., HIV infection), bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), current fever/illness.
This vaccine can cause fainting in some patients, which could result in falling and injury. To reduce the risk of this side effect, your doctor may recommend that you stay in a sitting or lying position for 15 minutes after the injection. Infrequently, fainting along with seizure-like movements have occurred, and usually have resolved after placing the patient in a lying position.
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 vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, using separate injection sites and separate syringes.
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:Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor's office and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised January 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.
