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Varilrix

Generic Name: varicella virus vaccine (Subcutaneous route)

var-i-SEL-a VYE-rus VAX-een

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

Varivax
Zostavax

In Canada

Varilrix

Available Dosage Forms:

Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine

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Uses For Varilrix

Varicella virus vaccine is an immunizing agent that is used to prevent infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus.

Varicella (commonly known as chickenpox) is an infection that is easily spread from one person to another. Chickenpox is usually a mild infection but sometimes it can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and a rare disease called Reye's syndrome.

Immunization against chickenpox is recommended for anyone 12 months of age and older who has not had chickenpox. Immunization against chickenpox is not recommended for infants younger than 12 months of age.

You can be considered to be immune to chickenpox only if you have received the right number of varicella vaccine doses (1 dose if you are between 12 months and 12 years of age; or 2 doses if you are 13 years of age or older). You also are considered to be immune if you have a doctor's diagnosis of a previous chickenpox infection or if you have had a blood test showing that you are immune to varicella.

Varicella virus vaccine (Zostavax®) is also used for the prevention of herpes zoster (commonly known as shingles) in people 60 years of age and older.

This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other authorized healthcare professional.

Before Using Varilrix

In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Varivax® (for preventing chickenpox)—Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of varicella virus vaccine in children above 1 year of age. However, varicella virus vaccine is not recommended for infants younger than 12 months of age.

Zostavax® (for preventing shingles)—This vaccine should not be used in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of varicella virus vaccine in the elderly.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Aclarubicin
Acyclovir
Adalimumab
Aldesleukin
Alemtuzumab
Altretamine
Amonafide
Amsacrine
Asparaginase
Aspirin
Azacitidine
Azathioprine
Benorilate
Bleomycin
Broxuridine
Busulfan
Capecitabine
Carboplatin
Carmustine
Certolizumab Pegol
Chlorambucil
Choline Salicylate
Cisplatin
Cladribine
Cyclophosphamide
Cytarabine
Cytarabine Liposome
Dacarbazine
Dactinomycin
Daunorubicin
Daunorubicin Citrate Liposome
Decitabine
Docetaxel
Doxifluridine
Doxorubicin Hydrochloride
Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
Edatrexate
Eflornithine
Epirubicin
Estramustine
Etanercept
Etoposide
Floxuridine
Fludarabine
Fluorouracil
Fotemustine
Gallium Nitrate
Gemcitabine
Golimumab
Hydroxyurea
Idarubicin
Ifosfamide
Irinotecan
Lomustine
Magnesium Salicylate
Mechlorethamine
Melphalan
Mercaptopurine
Mesalamine
Methotrexate
Mitolactol
Mitomycin
Mitotane
Mitoxantrone
Mycophenolic Acid
Olsalazine
Oxaliplatin
Paclitaxel
Pegaspargase
Pentostatin
Pipobroman
Pirarubicin
Plicamycin
Procarbazine
Raltitrexed
Rilonacept
Rituximab
Salicylamide
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Sirolimus
Sodium Salicylate
Sodium Thiosalicylate
Streptozocin
Tacrolimus
Teceleukin
Tegafur
Temsirolimus
Teniposide
Thioguanine
Thiotepa
Topotecan
Treosulfan
Trimetrexate
Trofosfamide
Trolamine Salicylate
Uracil Mustard
Vinblastine
Vincristine
Vincristine Liposome
Vindesine
Vinorelbine

Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Abatacept
Leflunomide

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use of varicella virus vaccine

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain varicella virus vaccine. It may not be specific to Varilrix. Please read with care.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this vaccine. This vaccine is given as a shot under your skin.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions in the insert carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Tell your doctor before receiving this vaccine if you are severely ill or if you have a fever greater than 101.3 °F.

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you or your child missed the scheduled dose, call your doctor or your child’s doctor for another appointment.

Precautions While Using Varilrix

It is very important that the doctor check you or your child at regular visits to make sure this vaccine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Do not become pregnant for 3 months after receiving varicella virus vaccine without first checking with your doctor. There is a chance that this vaccine may cause problems during pregnancy. If you think you have become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may want you to join a pregnancy registry for patients receiving this vaccine.

Zostavax® should not be used in place of Varivax®.

Zostavax® should not be used in children.

Tell your doctor that you have received this vaccine:

If you are to receive blood transfusions or other blood products within 5 months of receiving this vaccine.
If you are to receive varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) or other immune globulins within 2 months after receiving this vaccine.
If you are to receive any other live virus vaccines within 1 month of receiving this vaccine.

Do not take aspirin or aspirin products for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine.

Avoid contact with persons who may be at an increased risk for getting chickenpox for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.

Varilrix Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Fever over 39 °C (102 °F)

Less common

Chickenpox-like skin rash

Rare

Black, tarry stools
blood in the urine or stools
confusion
difficulty in breathing or swallowing
hives
irritability
itching, especially of the feet or hands
muscle or joint pain
pinpoint red spots on the skin
reddening of the skin, especially around the ears
severe or continuing headache
stiff neck
swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
swelling of the glands in the neck
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness, sudden and severe
vomiting

Incidence not known

Back pain, sudden and severe
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blurred vision
chills
convulsions (seizures)
headache, sudden and severe
inability to speak
inability to move the arms and legs
itching
joint or muscle pain
large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
muscle weakness, sudden and progressing
painful blisters on the trunk of the body
painful knees and ankles
raised red swellings on the skin, the buttocks, legs, or ankles
red irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
shakiness and unsteady walk
slurred speech
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stomach pain
sudden loss of consciousness
sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
temporary blindness
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
weakness in the arm and/or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
weakness of the muscles in your face

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Fever of 37.7 °C (100 °F) or higher, but not above 39 °C (102 °F)
pain, redness, or soreness at the injection site

Less common

Common cold
congestion
cough
diarrhea
nausea
sore throat

Incidence not known

Bacterial skin infections
body aches or pain
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
chest pain
chills
dizziness
dryness or soreness of the throat
hoarseness
pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin
red rash with watery, yellow-colored, or pus filled blisters
runny nose
shortness of breath
sneezing
tender, swollen glands in the neck
thick yellow to honey-colored crusts
tightness in the chest
voice changes
wheezing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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