Uses
What is Pneumovax 23 used for?
Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent) is commonly given to help protect from infections caused by 23 types of pneumococcus, which is a kind of bacteria. Serious diseases that can be caused by pneumococcus include the following.
- Bacteremia, infection of the blood
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis, infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord
How does Pneumovax 23 work (mechanism of action)?
Pneumovax 23 triggers the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against 23 types of the 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 Pneumovax 23?
Pneumovax 23 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 Pneumovax 23?
The most common side effects of Pneumovax 23 are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Pain, soreness, warmth, swelling, hardness, and redness at the injection site
- Headache
- Feeling unusually weak or tired
- Muscle pain
There may be other side effects of Pneumovax 23 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 Pneumovax 23?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Pneumovax 23 are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Pneumovax 23 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 Pneumovax 23?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Pneumovax 23.
- Pneumovax 23
- Pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent
Your healthcare provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Pneumovax 23.
What should I know about Pneumovax 23 before getting it?
Make sure that you or your child gets all doses of Pneumovax 23 that your healthcare provider recommends. Pneumovax 23 helps protect you from serious infections caused by 23 types of a type of 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.
People aged 65 years or older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of Pneumovax 23. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before getting Pneumovax 23?
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 Pneumovax 23 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.
- Heart problems
- Lung problems
- Fever or recent illness
- A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system such as radiation or chemotherapy
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage from a skull fracture, surgery, or problems since birth
Other Medicines and Supplements. Pneumovax 23 may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Pneumovax 23, 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 Pneumovax 23 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 Pneumovax 23 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 Pneumovax 23 while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Pneumovax 23?
For more information about Pneumovax 23, you can call them at 800-622-4477.
Interactions
Does Pneumovax 23 interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Pneumovax 23 and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Pneumovax 23.
Does Pneumovax 23 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 Pneumovax 23 at the same time as other vaccines.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Pneumovax 23?
Pneumovax 23 is given by a healthcare provider. Keep a record of all 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 Pneumovax 23?
Keep all appointments to receive Pneumovax 23. If you miss an appointment to get Pneumovax 23, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
Are you currently using Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide)?
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