Type of medicine: vaccine
Generic and brand names: human papillomavirus bivalent vaccine, injection; Cervarix
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to girls and women 9 through 25 years of age to help prevent against cervical cancer and precancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. This medicine does not treat cervical cancer. It does not prevent disease due to all types of HPV. This medicine does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases that are not caused by HPV.
Before receiving this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently gotten any other vaccine. Also tell your provider if you currently have an infection of any kind. If you are severely ill with a fever at the time the shot is scheduled, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine. If you have a mild cold or other mild infection, you may still be able to get your shot.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is given by a healthcare provider as a series of shots. You must complete the entire 3 shot series so that you will be fully protected against HPV. Keep all appointments for shots.
These injections may cause pain, irritation on the skin, or a lump where you had the shot. If these symptoms don't go away in a few days, contact your healthcare provider.
These injections may make you feel dizzy or weak. They may cause fainting, especially in young girls. Your healthcare provider may ask you to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after you get this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
This vaccine does not take the place of regular Pap tests or checkups for cervical cancer. You still need regular screening.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to contact your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): High fever, fainting, seizures, behavior changes, chest pain, fast heartbeat, swollen glands.
Other: Stomach upset, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, runny nose; pain, redness or swelling at the site of injection; mild fever; muscle aches, joint pain or stiffness.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Keep a record of all vaccines received and when you received them.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
