Prevnar IM Warnings
Prevnar IM Uses
This vaccine helps protect young children (e.g., infants and toddlers) against serious infections (e.g., meningitis, pneumonia, chronic ear infections) due to certain bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae).
Different brands of pneumococcal vaccine have different recommendations for use based on the age of the child.
Another form of this vaccine should be used if the child is older than 2 years and has certain medical conditions (heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, diabetes, spleen problems, sickle cell anemia, HIV infection). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
How to use Prevnar 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 injected into a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually injected into the thigh in infants or into either the upper arm or the thigh in toddlers.
The child may receive up to 4 injections. The number of injections that are given depends on the age of the child.
If the child is receiving this vaccination before spleen surgery or before receiving cancer chemotherapy or other drugs that decrease the immune system function, it should be given at least 2 weeks before these procedures to be effective. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Prevnar IM Side Effects
Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, swelling, hard lump), muscle/joint aches, or fever may occur. Ask your doctor if the child should take a fever/pain reducer (e.g., acetaminophen) to help treat these symptoms. Drowsiness, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, or diarrhea 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 the child 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: seizures.
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.
Prevnar IM Precautions
Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is allergic to it; or to other vaccines (e.g., diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae); or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex or dry natural rubber that can be found in the product packaging), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist the child's medical history, especially of: vaccination/immunization history, recent illness/fever, bleeding problems (e.g., low platelets).
This product is not usually used in adults. Therefore, it is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this product.
Prevnar IM Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring the child for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products the child may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin or heparins), cancer chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, efalizumab, 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.
Prevnar IM Overdose
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. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:It is important to understand the risks and benefits of vaccinations. Discuss this with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the need for other vaccines to prevent possibly severe illness (e.g., flu shots).
Make sure all of your doctors know the child has received this vaccine. Make sure a note is placed in the child's medical record of having received this vaccine.
MISSED DOSE:It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to ask when each dose should be received and make a note of the schedule.
STORAGE:Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor's office or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised October 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
