VARIVAX VACCINE

Drug Name: VARIVAX VACCINE

VARIVAX VACCINE DESCRIPTION:
VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE - INJECTION (vair-ih-SELL-uh VYE-russ vack-SEEN)

COMMON VARIVAX VACCINE BRAND NAME(S):
Varivax Vaccine

VARIVAX VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS:
Most common are burning, stinging, pain or redness at the injection site, mild fever, skin rash. Also reported include cough, irritability, headache, loss of appetite and fatigue. If any of these effects continue beyond a few days or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience a high fever, breathing trouble, chills, hives or stiff neck. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VARIVAX VACCINE:
VARIVAX VACCINE: VARIVAX VACCINE is given by subcutaneous injection into the upper arm by a health care professional. Children receive a single dose. Adults, 12 years and older receive two doses 4 to 8 weeks apart.

VARIVAX VACCINE USES:
The varicella virus is commonly known as chickenpox. This medication is a vaccine given to persons over 1 year of age to protect against chickenpox.

VARIVAX VACCINE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any illness, infections, blood disorders, immune system disorders or if you have any allergies especially to gelatin or to neomycin antibiotic. VARIVAX VACCINE is not to be given during pregnancy. It is also recommended that women avoid pregnancy for three months after receiving this vaccine. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if VARIVAX VACCINE appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

VARIVAX VACCINE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including aspirin and aspirin-containing medications, steroids, anticancer medications or immunosuppressants. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VARIVAX VACCINE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

VARIVAX VACCINE NOTES:
Although the vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of getting chickenpox, it may not protect all persons. It is also unknown at this time if receiving the vaccine after being exposed to the virus will prevent illness. Discuss the risks and benefits of this vaccine with your doctor.

MISSED VARIVAX VACCINE DOSE:
This is usually given as a one time dose. As with most medications, do not "double-up" the dose if a dose is missed.

VARIVAX VACCINE STORAGE:
Store the dry powder (before mixing) in a frost-free freezer at 5 degrees F (-15 degrees C) or colder. The diluent may be stored at room temperature or in refrigerator. Reconstituted vaccine should be used within 30 minutes. Reconstituted liquid should be clear and colorless (or pale yellow).