Gardasil Vaccine
Gardasil Vaccine is administered by injection to people aged between 9 and 26 years. The injection will be given in two or three doses several months apart. It is given by your doctor or nurse, who will make sure you get the right amount. If you do not have all the doses you need, you will not be fully protected against HPV so make sure you turn up for all your injections.
Gardasil Vaccine
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Gardasil Vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers associate with human papillomavirus (HPV) in women. It also helps protect against anal cancer and genital warts in both men and women. However, it is not used to treat these conditions which are caused HPV.
Gardasil Vaccine is administered by injection to people aged between 9 and 26 years. The injection will be given in two or three doses several months apart. It is given by your doctor or nurse, who will make sure you get the right amount. If you do not have all the doses you need, you will not be fully protected against HPV so make sure you turn up for all your injections.
The most common side effects are headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, and pain or swelling at the injection site. They are usually mild and resolve on their own. Consult your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.
Before having this vaccine, tell your doctor if you have ever fainted with a previous injection or if you have a weak immune system. Ask your doctor if it is safe to have the vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This vaccine is not an alternative to routine cervical screening. You should still turn up for all scheduled appointments.
03Uses
Prevention of HPV-associated cancers
Prevention of Genital warts (Skin bumps on or around the genital or anal area)
04How To Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
05How It Works
Gardasil Vaccine is a vaccine which helps to develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness, but it stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies to protect against any future infections.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
If you missed a dose of Gardasil Vaccine, please consult your doctor.
07Benefits
In Prevention of HPV-associated cancers
HPV can cause many cancers and pre-cancerous lesions in female genitals and is responsible for the majority of cervical and anal cancers. This vaccine is intended to prevent these and not to treat them. It is normally given between the ages of 9 and 26. The vaccine works by increasing your body’s natural defence (immunity) against the human papillomavirus. It does not protect against all types of HPV – only the types in the vaccine. This vaccine is normally given in two or three doses by injection separated by several months. It will be given by a doctor or nurse. You must make sure you receive all doses in order to be protected. HPV vaccines are considered very safe and the benefits far outweigh the potential health risk.
In Prevention of Genital warts (Skin bumps on or around the genital or anal area)
HPV is also the main cause of genital warts. This vaccine is intended to prevent and not treat it. The vaccine works by increasing your body’s immunity against the human papillomavirus. This vaccine given by a doctor or nurse. You must make sure you receive all doses in order to be protected.HPV vaccines are considered very safe and the benefits far outweigh the potential health risk. This vaccine has been studied in many thousands of people and shown to be highly effective in reducing HPV infections.show moreshow less
08Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
Nausea
Dizziness
Fever
Headache
09Safety Information
Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Gardasil Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Gardasil Vaccine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Gardasil Vaccine during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Driving:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Gardasil Vaccine alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Gardasil Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Gardasil Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Gardasil Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Gardasil Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
10Drug Tips
Gardasil Vaccine helps protect against diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) such as genital warts and certain types of cancer such as cervical cancer.
It does not cure an existing HPV infection. But, it can protect you from other strains of HPV.
If you are 9 to 14 years of age, you will be given a 2 dose schedule (0 and 6 months). If you are 15 years or above, you will be given a 3 dose schedule (0,1, and 6 months).
It is usually given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm.
Remain seated for at least 15 minutes after the injection as it may cause dizziness or fainting.
Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking medicines such as high doses of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants .
It does not protect against every type of HPV. Take precautions against sexually transmitted diseases and follow your doctor’s advice.
It is necessary that you complete the full vaccination course. Even if you forget to take a dose, you can just resume from where you left off. Consult with your doctor if you can resume.
References
Sources and references
Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher’s & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. pp. 200-201.
Human Papillomavirus QuadrivalentVaccine. Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp; 2006 . Available form: view
