Zostavax
Generic Name: zoster vaccine live (ZOS ter vak SEEN LYV)
Brand Names: Zostavax
What is Zostavax?
Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox in children. When this virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause herpes zoster, or shingles. Zostavax is a live vaccine that helps prevent shingles.
Zostavax works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. Zostavax will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
Zostavax is used to prevent herpes zoster virus (shingles) in people age 60 and older.
Zostavax will not treat shingles or nerve pain caused by shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Zostavax may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Zostavax?
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have tuberculosis, or any other severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving Zostavax.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving Zostavax. If you ever need to receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any side effects.
Becoming infected with herpes zoster (shingles) is much more dangerous to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, Zostavax can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
Do not receive Zostavax if you have leukemia or lymphoma (or other cancer affecting bone marrow), a history of allergic reaction to neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab). You should not receive Zostavax if you are pregnant, or if you have active untreated tuberculosis, any type of cancer that affects bone marrow, or a weak immune system caused by disease (such as HIV or AIDS) or by receiving medications such as steroids or chemotherapy.What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving Zostavax?
You should not receive Zostavax if you have:-
active untreated tuberculosis;
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leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancer affecting bone marrow;
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a history of allergic reaction to gelatin or neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab);
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a weak immune system caused by disease (such as HIV or AIDS), or by receiving medications such as steroids or chemotherapy; or
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if you are pregnant.
Before receiving Zostavax, tell your doctor if you have:
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a history of allergic reaction to any vaccine; or
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if you have never had chickenpox.
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have tuberculosis, or any other severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving Zostavax.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive Zostavax, or you may need to wait until a later time when you are well.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy for at least 3 months after receiving Zostavax. It is not known whether Zostavax passes into breast milk, or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Zostavax should not be given to a child.How is Zostavax given?
Zostavax is given as an injection under the skin. You will receive Zostavax in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.
Zostavax is usually given as a one-time injection. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you will not need a booster vaccine.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Zostavax is given as a one-time injection, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Zostavax is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid before or after receiving Zostavax?
After receiving Zostavax, avoid coming into contact with other people who have never had chickenpox, especially if they are pregnant.
Zostavax side effects
You should not receive a second Zostavax if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot. Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving Zostavax. If you ever need to receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.Becoming infected with shingles is much more dangerous to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, Zostavax can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:-
fever, chills, sore throat, weakness, flu symptoms;
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breathing problems; or
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severe or painful skin rash.
Less serious side effects include:
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pain, redness, bruising, or swelling where the shot was given;
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diarrhea;
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headache; or
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mild skin rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Zostavax?
There may be other drugs that can affect Zostavax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist may have information about Zostavax written for health professionals that you may read. You may also find additional information from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What does my medication look like?
Zoster vaccine live is available with a prescription under the brand name Zostavax. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
- Click here for more information on Zostavax from the manufacturer.
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