Type of medicine: vaccine
Generic and brand names: meningitis vaccine, injection; Meningococcal vaccine; Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135; MPSV4
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to provide protection against certain types of meningitis.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
If you are severely ill 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. Tell your healthcare provider if you currently have an infection of any kind.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
These shots are given by your healthcare provider. You will be protected against meningitis after 7 to 10 days. If you are at high risk for infection, you may need a booster shot after 5 years. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Most people who get this vaccine do not have any problems with it. You may have redness or soreness where the shot was given. These side effects usually last 1 or 2 days. Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms last longer or if you feel worse.
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 reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, chills, sudden and severe tiredness or weakness.
Other: Tenderness, pain, redness, or a lump on your skin where the shot was given; headache; diarrhea; irritability.
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.
