PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE - INJECTION

PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (NEU-mo-KOK-al)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pneumovax 23, Pnu-Imune 23

GENERIC NAME(S): pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine

Uses

USES: This vaccine helps protect against serious infection (e.g., meningitis, bacteria in the blood) due to certain bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae). This vaccine is important for preventing infection in individuals at risk (e.g., those with heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, diabetes, alcoholism, spleen problems, sickle cell anemia, or HIV, or those living in a nursing home).


How to use PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional. This vaccine is injected into a muscle or under the skin by a health care professional. When this vaccine is injected into a muscle, it is given in the upper arm or thigh. You may need to have another dose of vaccine if you are still at high risk for infection. This is especially true if you are younger than 65 years old when you receive the first dose of this vaccine. A second dose should not be given until 5 years after your first dose. Ask your health care professional for more details. If you are receiving this vaccination before spleen surgery or before receiving cancer chemotherapy or other drugs that decrease your immune system function, it should be given at least 2 weeks before these procedures to be effective. Talk to your health care professional for more information.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, swelling, hard lump), muscle/joint aches, or fever may occur. Ask your health care professional whether you should take a fever/pain reducer (e.g., acetaminophen) to help treat these symptoms. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your health care professional 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 professional right away if you have any of these symptoms soon after receiving an injection. Sitting or lying down may relieve symptoms. Remember that your health care professional 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 health care professional right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual weakness, tingling/numbness of the hands/feet, easy bleeding/bruising, swollen glands. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away 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 any other effects not listed, contact your health care professional. Contact the health care professional 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 the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before you receive this vaccine, tell the health care professional if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as the preservative phenol, latex or dry natural rubber in the vial stopper), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details. Before using this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of: your vaccination/immunization history, recent illness/fever. This vaccine is not recommended for use in children younger than 2 years. During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional. It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin or heparins), cancer chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisone), drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: Not applicable.

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PNEUMOVAX 23 SYRINGE

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PNEUMOVAX 23 SYRINGE

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PNEUMOVAX 23 SYRINGE

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PNEUMOVAX 23 VIAL

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.