pneumococcal 23 polyvalent vaccine 25 mcg/0.5 mL injection syringe

Generic name:
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine - injection

Pronunciation
(NEU-mo-KOK-al paa-lee-SA-kr-ide)

Brand name(s)
Pneumovax 23 , Pnu-Imune 23

This vaccine helps protect against serious infection (such as meningitis, bacteria in the blood) due to certain bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae). This vaccine is important for preventing infection in individuals at risk (such as those with heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, diabetes, alcoholism, spleen problems, sickle cell anemia, or HIV, or those living in a nursing home).

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This vaccine is injected into a muscle or under the skin by a health care professional. When this vaccine is injected into a muscle, it is given in the upper arm or thigh.

You may need to have another dose of vaccine if you are still at high risk for infection. This is especially true if you are younger than 65 years old when you receive the first dose of this vaccine. A second dose should not be given until 5 years after your first dose. Ask your health care professional for more details.

If you are receiving this vaccination before spleen surgery or before receiving cancer chemotherapy or other drugs that decrease your immune system function, it should be given at least 2 weeks before these procedures to be effective. Talk to your health care professional for more information.

Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, swelling, hard lump), muscle/joint aches, or fever may occur. Ask your health care professional whether you should take a fever/pain reducer (such as acetaminophen) to help treat these symptoms. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your health care professional has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your health care professional right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• unusual weakness
• tingling/numbness of the hands/feet
• swollen glands

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed, contact your health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Before you receive this vaccine, tell the health care professional if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as the preservative phenol, latex or dry natural rubber in the vial stopper), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before using this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of:

• your vaccination/immunization history
• recent illness/fever
• immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment)

This vaccine is not recommended for use in children younger than 2 years.

During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional.

It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include:

• drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone)

Not applicable.

It is important to understand the risks and benefits of vaccinations. Discuss this with your health care professional.

Talk to your health care professional about the need for other vaccines to prevent possibly severe illness (such as flu shots).

Make sure all of your health care professionals know you have received this vaccine. Make sure a note is placed in your medical record of having received this vaccine.

Not applicable.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.