P
Pronunciation: NEU-mo-KOK-al
Generic Name: Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent
Brand Name: Pneumovax 23
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is used for:
Preventing certain infections.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is a vaccine. It works by stimulating the body to make antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Do NOT use Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent:
Some medical conditions may interact with Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a fever, heart problems, a lung or breathing problem, or an infection
if you have cancer, are receiving medicines that weaken the immune system, or are scheduled for an organ or bone marrow transplant
if you have a history of skull fracture, brain surgery, or a genetic brain disorder
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Medicines that decrease the immune response such as corticosteroids (eg, hydrocortisone) or cancer medicines because the effectiveness of Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent may be decreased
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because side effects, such as bleeding at the injection site, may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent:
Use Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
If you miss a dose of Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent.
Important safety information:
Before you are given Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, a health care provider should inform you of the benefits and risks.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent may be given on the same day as the flu vaccine. Unlike the flu vaccine, which is given each year, Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is usually given only once. However, certain people at high risk of pneumococcal infection (eg, those with a weakened immune system) may need to receive a second dose. The second dose is usually given at least 3 years after the first dose.
Be sure that it is in all of your medical records that you have received Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent. Make sure your doctor has a complete record of your vaccinations and is aware of your current health status.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent may not protect all individuals from invasive pneumonia. It will not protect against pneumonia or other infections caused by organisms not related to those in this vaccine.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is not recommended for CHILDREN younger than 2 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is unknown if Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent during pregnancy. It is unknown if Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Fever; redness, soreness, swelling, or a lump at the injection site.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); weakness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent:
Store in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not use past the expiration date. Keep Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent
.
