Pneumovax 23
- Generic Name: pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent
- Brand Name: Pneumovax 23
- Drug Class: Vaccines, Inactivated, Bacterial
side effects drug center pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent) drug - consumer uses and warnings
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.
PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE - INJECTION
(NEU-mo-KOK-al)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pneumovax 23, Pnu-Imune 23
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: Read the Vaccine Information Statement 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 doctor 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 doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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 provider 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 doctor 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 doctor or pharmacist.
Contact the doctor 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.
Read the Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects
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 pharmacist 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 doctor.
It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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: Not applicable.
NOTES: It is important to understand the risks and benefits of vaccinations. Discuss this with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the need for other vaccines to prevent possibly severe illness (e.g., flu shots).
Make sure all of your doctors know you have received this vaccine. Make sure a note is placed in your medical record of having received this vaccine.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised March 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.
