This medication is a combination of vaccines against several virus infections: measles (also known as rubeola), mumps, rubella (also known as German measles), and varicella (also known as chickenpox). These are common childhood infections that may cause serious (rarely fatal) problems. Vaccination is the best way to protect against these infections. Vaccines work by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies).

This combination of vaccines is usually used in children between 12 months and 12 years old.

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 medication is given by injection by a health care professional. Depending on the brand of vaccine your child receives, it will be given either under the skin or into the muscle of the upper arm.

Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by the doctor. Keep all scheduled medical appointments. It may be helpful to mark a calendar as a reminder.

This combination of vaccines may be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines (such as haemophilus, hepatitis B) using a separate needle and injection site.

There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your child's age, vaccination history, and previous reaction to vaccines, the health care professional will decide which vaccines are best for your child. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with the health care professional.

Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, fever, rash, and fussiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell the doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Infrequently, temporary symptoms such as fainting/dizziness/lightheadedness, vision changes, numbness/tingling, or seizure-like movements have happened after vaccine injections. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms soon after receiving an injection. Sitting or lying down may relieve symptoms.

Remember that the doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many children using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell the doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, joint pain/stiffness, seizures with fever.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: 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 the doctor or pharmacist.

Contact the 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 call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before your child receives this product, tell the doctor or pharmacist if your child is allergic to it; or to eggs; or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as neomycin), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before receiving this product, tell the doctor or pharmacist your child's medical history, especially of: current fever/illness (such as untreated tuberculosis), bleeding/blood clotting problems (such as hemophilia, low platelets), blood cancer (such as leukemia, lymphoma), immune system problems (such as HIV infection), scheduled organ transplant, brain/nervous system disorders (such as seizures), history of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

There is a small risk that your child may expose others to infection with chickenpox for up to 6 weeks after your child has been vaccinated. If possible, your child should avoid being in the same room with newborn babies (especially if born prematurely), pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, and people with immune system problems.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. It is important to prevent pregnancy for at least 3 months after vaccination.

This medication may pass into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult the doctor before breast-feeding.

The doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring your child for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your child's doctor or pharmacist first.

This product should not be used with the following products because very serious interactions may occur: drugs that weaken the immune system (such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, cancer chemotherapy).

If your child is using any of these medications, tell the doctor or pharmacist before your child receives this product.

Before receiving this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products your child may use, especially of: corticosteroids taken by mouth or given by injection (such as dexamethasone), recent blood transfusion or use of blood products (such as immunoglobulins).

Avoid giving your child aspirin or aspirin-like medications (such as salsalate) for 6 weeks after your child has been vaccinated.

This product may interfere with certain laboratory tests (such as tuberculosis skin tests). Make sure laboratory personnel and all your child's doctors know that your child has recently received this product.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before your child receives this product, tell the doctor or pharmacist of all the products your child uses. Keep a list of all the medications with you, and share the list with the doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Even if your child has already had measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella virus infections, he or she may not be protected from getting them again. Your child should still receive this vaccine if the doctor orders it.

It is important that your child receives each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when your child received their last vaccination for their medical record.

Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor's office and will not be stored at home.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.