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adj. Chemistry.

1. Having four valences.
2. Having a valence of four; tetravalent.

quadrivalence quad'ri·va'lence or quad'ri·va'len·cy n.

Brand names: Gardasil®

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Quadrivalent

What is Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Quadrivalent?

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Quadrivalent (Gardasil®) helps to prevent cervical cancer, genital warts, and abnormal lesions in the genital area caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus. The virus is a common virus that you can get from any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact. The vaccine works best when given before you have any contact with the virus, but you may benefit from from the vaccine if you have been exposed to the virus because most people are not infected with all four types of the virus contained in the vaccine. The vaccine is not used to treat cervical cancer or genital warts. You cannot get these diseases from the vaccine.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• fever or infection
• hemophilia
• HIV infection or AIDS
• immune system problems
• low platelet count
• an unusual reaction to Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Quadrivalent, yeast, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

The vaccine is for injection in a muscle on your upper arm or thigh. It is given by a health care professional in a clinic or doctor's office. Three doses are given to females between the ages of 9 and 26 years. The second dose is given 2 months after the first dose. The last dose is given 4 months after the second dose. At this time, 'booster' doses of the vaccine have not been recommended.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 9 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

What if I miss a dose?

All 3 doses of the vaccine should be given within 6 months. Remember to keep appointments for follow-up doses. Your health care provider will tell you when to return for the next vaccine. Ask your health care professional for advice if you are unable to keep an appointment or miss a scheduled dose.

What drug(s) may interact with Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Quadrivalent?

• adalimumab
• anakinra
• etanercept
• immunoglobulins
• infliximab
• medicines that suppress your immune system like medicines for cancer
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• vaccines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Quadrivalent?

A mild fever or cold by itself it not always reason to delay receiving the vaccine. Your health care provider will determine if it is appropriate for the vaccine to be given if you have a cold or mild fever.

You may still get cervical cancer or genital warts from human papillomavirus. The vaccine helps protect against disease from 4 types of the virus. The vaccine may not fully protect you from these 4 types. Also, other types of the virus not found in the vaccine may cause disease. A yearly pelvic exam and a Pap smear is still very important to get despite getting the vaccine. Many people who have the virus do not have any signs or symptoms.

If you have received the first or second dose of the vaccine, tell your doctor or health care professional if you had any reaction or unusual symptom to the vaccine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Quadrivalent?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• difficulty breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• cough
• fever
• redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or itching at the injection site

Where can I keep my medicine?

Each dose of this vaccine will be administered in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given vaccine doses to store at home.

Last updated: 6/13/2006 1:45:00 PM

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

(kwŏd'rə-vā'lənt)
adj.

1. Having four valences.
2. Having a valence of four; tetravalent.

Having a valence of four.