Type of medicine: vaccine
Generic and brand names: human papillomavirus vaccine, injection; Gardasil
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to prevent diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) such as anal cancer, cervical cancer, and genital warts. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the HPV vaccine for males and females at age 11 to 12 years.
Before receiving this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare 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. Also tell your provider if you are receiving radiation therapy.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medicine is not recommended to be used during pregnancy; however, in some situations it may be needed. 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, lightheaded, or weak. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This vaccine does not take the place of regular Pap tests or checkups for cervical cancer.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
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): Fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, tiredness, joint pain or stiffness, seizures, severe back or stomach pain, coughing up blood, chest pain.
Other: Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, runny nose, redness or swelling at the site of injection.
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.
