Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live) belongs to a family of medications known as vaccines. It is used to prevent Shingles for people over 50 years of age.
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Vaccine
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Merck
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Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live) is given as a single injection (0.65 mL) under the skin of the outside of the upper arm.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are receiving the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live) be given exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive the vaccine, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live) should be protected from light and stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C or colder, until it is mixed to be used for injection. The diluent (fluid provided to mix up the vaccine) should be stored at room temperature or in the fridge.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who received Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live) with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people receiving Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live).
Zostavax is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. Zoster virus is now available under the brand Zostavax II. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live), speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
Zoster vaccine should not be used by anyone who:
There may be an interaction between zoster vaccine and any of the following:
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live).
Illness with fever: If you have an illness with fever, talk to your doctor about whether you should receive the vaccine.
Length of protection: It is not known if the vaccine will protect from shingles for longer than 4 years.
Pregnancy: No studies have been done to determine the effect of Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live) on the developing baby or mother if it is given during pregnancy. Naturally occurring varicella-zoster infection is known to cause harm to the unborn baby. This vaccine should not be used during pregnancy. Women should not become pregnant for at least 3 months after receiving this vaccine.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if zoster vaccine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Zostavax (Shingles-vaccine-live) is not recommended for children.
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