Varivax Dosage

Generic name: VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS STRAIN OKA/MERCK LIVE ANTIGEN 1350[PFU] in 0.5mL
Dosage form: subcutaneous injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension subcutaneous injection
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 22, 2023.

For Intramuscular or Subcutaneous administration only

Dose and Schedule

A single dose of VARIVAX is approximately 0.5 mL.

Children (12 months to 12 years of age)

The first dose is administered at 12 to 15 months of age but may be given anytime through 12 years of age.

The second dose is administered at 4 to 6 years of age. At least 3 months should elapse between a dose of varicella-containing vaccine and VARIVAX.

At least 1 month should elapse between a dose of measles-containing vaccine and a dose of VARIVAX if the vaccines are not given concurrently [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

Adolescents (≥13 years of age) and Adults

Two doses of VARIVAX are administered at a minimum interval of 4 weeks [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

Reconstitution Instructions

The sterile diluent for VARIVAX is provided in either a vial or prefilled syringe.

Sterile Diluent Vial

Use a sterile syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics, and detergents for each reconstitution and injection of VARIVAX because these substances may inactivate the vaccine virus. When reconstituting the vaccine, use the sterile diluent vial supplied with VARIVAX. The sterile diluent does not contain preservatives or other antiviral substances which might inactivate the vaccine virus.

To reconstitute the vaccine, withdraw the entire volume of the supplied sterile diluent from the vial and slowly inject into the lyophilized vaccine vial. Gently agitate to dissolve completely. Discard if the lyophilized vaccine cannot be dissolved.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Visually inspect the vaccine before and after reconstitution prior to administration. Before reconstitution, the lyophilized vaccine is a white compact crystalline plug. VARIVAX, when reconstituted, is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid. Do not use the product if particulates are present or if it appears discolored.

Withdraw and administer the entire volume of the reconstituted vaccine.

Administer VARIVAX immediately after reconstitution. Discard if reconstituted vaccine is not used within 30 minutes.

Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine.

Do not combine VARIVAX with any other vaccine through reconstitution or mixing.

Sterile Diluent Prefilled Syringe

To reconstitute, use the sterile diluent prefilled syringe supplied with the vaccine since it does not contain preservatives or other antiviral substances which might inactivate the vaccine virus.

Attach a needle to the prefilled syringe.

Reconstitute the vaccine by slowly injecting the entire volume of sterile diluent contained in the prefilled syringe into the lyophilized vaccine vial. Gently agitate to dissolve completely. Discard if the lyophilized vaccine cannot be dissolved.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Visually inspect the vaccine before and after reconstitution prior to administration. Before reconstitution, the lyophilized vaccine is a white compact crystalline plug. VARIVAX, when reconstituted, is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid. Do not use the reconstituted vaccine if particulates are present or if it appears discolored.

Withdraw and administer the entire volume of the reconstituted vaccine.

Administer VARIVAX immediately after reconstitution. Discard if reconstituted vaccine is not used within 30 minutes.

Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine.

Do not combine VARIVAX with any other vaccine through reconstitution or mixing.