human papillomavirus vaccine

Pronunciation:	HYOO man pap il OH ma VI rus vax EEN
Brand:	Gardasil

What is the most important information I should know about human papillomavirus vaccine?

Before receiving HPV vaccine, tell your doctor if you have a high fever or signs of infection, a weak immune system, a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, or if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

This vaccine will not treat active genital warts or HPV-related cancers, and it will not cure HPV infection.

HPV vaccine will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

What is human papillomavirus vaccine?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause genital warts, cancer of the cervix, and various cancers of the vulva or vagina.

HPV vaccine is used to prevent genital warts and cervical/vaginal cancers caused by certain types of HPV (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) in girls and young women.

This vaccine will not treat active genital warts or HPV-related cancers, and it will not cure HPV infection.

HPV vaccine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving human papillomavirus vaccine?

Before receiving HPV vaccine, tell your doctor if you have:

high fever, or signs of infection;
a weak immune system;
a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia; or
if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether HPV vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this vaccine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

HPV vaccine will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

HPV vaccine will not prevent diseases caused by HPV types other than types 6, 11, 16, and 18. There are over 100 different types of HPV.

How is human papillomavirus vaccine given?

HPV vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle in your upper arm or thigh. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

HPV vaccine is given in a series of 3 shots. You may have the first shot at any time as long as you are between the ages of 9 and 26 years old. Then you will receive a second shot 2 months later and a third shot 6 months later.

This vaccine will provide the best protection if you make sure to receive all booster shots in the series on schedule. Try not to miss any doses.

HPV vaccine should not be used in place of having a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a booster shot.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while receiving human papillomavirus vaccine?

There may be certain other vaccines that should not be given at the same time as the HPV vaccine. Until you have completed the series of 3 HPV vaccines, do not receive any other vaccine (including a flu shot) without first asking your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of human papillomavirus vaccine?

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:

pelvic pain;
severe stomach pain; or
pain, swelling, or stiffness in your joints.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

pain, swelling, redness, or itching where the shot was given;
mild fever;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
dizziness;
runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough; or
muscle pain.

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 human papillomavirus vaccine?

Before receiving HPV vaccine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation; or
steroid medicine, including inhaled steroids and those taken by mouth.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to receive HPV vaccine, or you may need to wait until your other treatments are finished.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect HPV vaccine. 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 pharmacist has more information about HPV vaccine written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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