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Dengue tetravalent vaccine, live (Subcutaneous)

Generic name: dengue tetravalent vaccine, live [ DEN-gay-tet-ra-VAY-lent-vak-SEEN, lyve ]
Brand name: Dengvaxia
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 25, 2023.

Uses for dengue tetravalent vaccine, live

Dengue tetravalent vaccine, live is used to prevent dengue disease in children 9 to 16 years of age with a previous laboratory-confirmed dengue infection and who are living in endemic (where the disease is common) areas.

This vaccine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before using dengue tetravalent vaccine, live

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

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of dengue tetravalent vaccine, live in children younger than 9 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of dengue tetravalent vaccine, live in the elderly 65 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this vaccine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to use this vaccine or change some of the other medicines you take.

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.

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.

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.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this vaccine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of dengue tetravalent vaccine, live

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

This vaccine requires 3 doses that are given 6 months apart (at months 0, 6, and 12). If you miss the second or third shot, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Detailed Dengue vaccine dosage information

Precautions while using dengue tetravalent vaccine, live

It is very important that you receive the second and third dose of the vaccine series at the right times and that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Children without a previous laboratory-confirmed dengue infection should not receive the vaccine. Dengue tetravalent vaccine, live may increase your child's risk for severe dengue disease when vaccinated and later infected with the dengue virus. Your child's doctor should check for this information in your child's medical records.

This vaccine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving the vaccine.

This vaccine may case syncope (fainting). Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

Side effects from this vaccine could occur within 14 days after you receive a shot. Be sure to tell your doctor about any serious side effects that occur during that time.

This vaccine may not protect everyone completely. It is very important that you use precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Use insect repellents and mosquito nets, wear protective clothing, and stay indoors during twilight and after dark.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are receiving this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests, including tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) test sensitivity. Tuberculin testing should be done before or at least 1 month after receiving the vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you are using medicine that weakens the immune system, including cancer medicine, steroids, or radiation treatment.

Side Effects of dengue tetravalent vaccine, live

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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Incidence not known

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

Rare

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dengue vaccine side effects (more detail)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine, Live

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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