Varivax (PF) 1,350 unit/0.5 mL subcutaneous suspension

Generic name:
Varicella virus vaccine (chickenpox) - injection

Pronunciation
(VAR-i-SEL-a)

Brand name(s)
Varivax

This vaccine is used to help prevent varicella (also known as chickenpox). Chickenpox is an infection that is usually mild, but can sometimes lead to serious problems (such as brain/lung problems, severe infections). Vaccination is the best way to protect against this infection. It can help prevent the infection or decrease the seriousness of the illness if you become infected. This vaccine contains live viruses that have been weakened. It works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the viruses.

The vaccine is recommended for children 12 months and older and adults who have not had chickenpox or received a varicella vaccination before.

Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives them.

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 given by injection by a health care professional. Depending on the brand, it may be given either under the skin or into the muscle of the upper arm.

Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by your health care professional. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Pain/redness/bruising/swelling at the injection site, fever, or mild chickenpox-like rash may 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 vaccine 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 vaccine do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine 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 other effects not listed above, 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 neomycin, gelatin), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

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

• current fever/illness (such as tuberculosis)
• immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment)
• blood/plasma transfusions
• vaccination history (including previous reactions to any vaccines)

There is a small risk that you may expose others to infection with chickenpox for up to 6 weeks after you have been vaccinated. If you develop a rash after getting the vaccine, you should avoid being in the same room with newborn babies (especially if born prematurely), pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, and people with immune system problems until the rash has dried and crusted over.

Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This vaccine should not be given if you are pregnant. It may harm an unborn baby. Avoid getting pregnant for 3 months after receiving this vaccine. Talk to your health care professional for details.

It is unknown if the varicella vaccine virus 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 are:

• drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone)
• immune globulin
• certain antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir)

All children and teenagers should avoid aspirin or aspirin-like medications (such as salsalate) for 6 weeks after vaccination.

This vaccine may interfere with certain lab tests (such as TB skin test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you recently received this vaccine.

Not applicable.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.

It is important that you get each vaccination as scheduled. Ask when you should get each dose and mark your calendar with a reminder. If you miss a dose, call the health care professional to reschedule.

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Protect from light. 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.