Uses

What is Prevnar 13 used for?

Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate) is commonly given to help protect from infections caused by 7 to 13 types of pneumococcus, which is a kind of bacteria. Serious diseases that can be caused by pneumococcus include the following.

The first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was Prevnar (pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine). Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine) has replaced Prevnar. Prevnar is no longer available.

How does Prevnar 13 work (mechanism of action)?

Prevnar 13 triggers the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against 13 types of a bacteria called pneumococcus. If you have antibodies against these bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help you from getting sick.

How should I store Prevnar 13?

Prevnar 13 is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Prevnar 13?

The most common side effects of Prevnar 13 are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, swelling, redness, or soreness near the injection site
  • Irritability
  • Tiredness
  • Fever or chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in sleep (increased or decreased)
  • Headache (adults)
  • Vomiting (adults)
  • Muscle or joint pain (adults)
  • Rash (adults)

There may be other side effects of Prevnar 13 that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Prevnar 13?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Prevnar 13 are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Prevnar 13 may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Prevnar 13?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Prevnar 13.

  • Prevnar 13
  • Pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine
  • Any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product to be received

Your healthcare provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Prevnar 13.

What should I know about Prevnar 13 before using it?

Make sure that you or your child gets all the doses of Prevnar 13 that your healthcare provider recommends. Prevnar 13 helps protect you from certain serious infections caused by 13 types of a bacteria called pneumococcus.

The vaccine will not give you or your child disease caused by these bacteria.

A vaccine information statement should be provided by your healthcare provider to you before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Prevnar 13?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Prevnar 13 is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • An allergic reaction to any vaccine
  • A weak immune system, get infection easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)
  • HIV infection
  • Born before 37 weeks of pregnancy (premature)
  • Bleeding problems
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Stem cell transplant
  • Problems with your spleen
  • Nephrotic syndrome 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Prevnar 13 may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving Prevnar 13, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Prevnar 13 could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Prevnar 13 passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Prevnar 13 while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Prevnar 13?

For more information about Prevnar 13, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.prevnar13.com or call them at 800-622-4477.

Interactions

Does Prevnar 13 interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Prevnar 13 and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Prevnar 13.

Does Prevnar 13 interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you plan to get Prevnar 13 at the same time as any other vaccine. Also discuss if you are using any of the following before receiving Prevnar 13.

  • A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • A type of medicine called chemotherapy, which is commonly used to treat cancer 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Prevnar 13. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Prevnar 13?

Prevnar 13 is given by a healthcare provider. Keep a record of all the vaccines you receive and share it with your healthcare provider. If you have any side effects, please report them by calling 800-822-7967 or filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Prevnar 13?

Keep all appointments to receive Prevnar 13.

If you miss an appointment to get Prevnar 13, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drug Survey

Are you currently using Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate)?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.