Gardasil Vaccine Side Effects

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Gardasil is a vaccine that protects against some forms of human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can lead to genital warts and to several forms of cancers including cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer.[1] Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection that appears in many forms. This infection can lead to genital warts and then to vulvar, vaginal or cervical cancer. [1] The target population for Gardasil is anyone aged 9 to 26.[2] Gardasil is given in a series of three injections over six months.[2][3] Gardasil side effects can include an allergic reaction at the injection site, fainting, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain, and dizziness.[2]



Flickr: Sklathill
Brand name for Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
Also known as HPV Vaccine
Manufacturer Merck & Co.
Uses To prevent some forms of HPV, which can lead to cancer and genital warts
Common side effects Allergic reaction at injection site, headache, fainting, nausea and vomiting, dizziness.[4]
Who should not take Gardasil Pregnant women, those allergic to yeast
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Gardasil is given to patients as young as nine through the age of 26. The Centers for Disease Control recommends Gardasil be given to girls at age 11 or 12. The vaccine is also recommended for boys and men in the same age range.[5] Since vaccines prevent disease, Gardasil has better odds of success if given before the patient is sexually active, although even those already having sexual contact can benefit from the vaccine.[4] Gardasil's manufacturer, Merck & Co., may provide financial assistance to some patients.

Contents

Common Gardasil Side Effects

The most common Gardasil side effects are swollen, bruised or irritated skin at the site of injection, headache, stomach distress, high temperature, or passing out. More serious side effects that may require the immediate help of a medical professional include:

  • swollen glands
  • unusual weakness, bruising, bleeding, or confusion
  • shortness of breath or chest pain
  • increased bruising or bleeding
  • severe abdominal pain[6]


About Drug Side Effects

Potential adverse reactions of drugs like Gardasil

Gardasil Allergic Reactions

Patients who are allergic to yeast may experience a reaction when exposed to Gardasil. Anaphylactic reactions may also be caused by the drug, and can be dangerous if left untreated. Signs of a severe allergic reaction to Gardasil include bronchospasm (more commonly known as wheezing), hives or rash on the skin, and trouble breathing. Patients who have experienced allergic reactions to prior injections of Gardasil are advised to inform their doctors before receiving repeat doses.[6]

Gardasil Precautions and Warnings

  • Gardasil does not prevent all forms of sexually transmitted infections, including some types of human papillomavirus. Nor does Gardasil prevent all types of cervical cancer, so women are advised to have regular gynecological exams. Gardasil does not treat genital warts or cervical cancer, nor will it cure an existing HPV infection.[2]
  • Gardasil has been rated as Pregnancy Category B by the FDA.[7] The effects of Gardasil on the fetus are not known, so doctors recommend pregnant women postpone the vaccination until birth.[2]
  • Gardasil may be given to breastfeeding women.[8]

Also See: Merck Patient Assistance Programs, Drug Side Effects, Prescription Drugs, Vaccines for Children, Birth Control Pills, Birth Control Coupons, Birth Control Recall, Plan B Side Effects

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm094042.htm
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 http://cervical-cancer.emedtv.com/gardasil/generic-gardasil.html
  3. ↑ http://www.merckvaccines.com/Products/Gardasil/Pages/dosageandadministration.aspx
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.gardasil.com/what-is-gardasil/index.html
  5. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-hpv-gardasil.pdf
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=43052
  7. ↑ http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=30952400-0572-4431-9150-3a41affffb9a
  8. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/should-not-vacc.htm#hpv-gardasil
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