GENERIC NAME: MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA VACCINE - INJECTION (MEE-zulls, mumps, rue-BELL-uh vack-SEEN)
BRAND NAME(S): M-M-R II
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This vaccine causes the body to produce antibodies which will protect against infection from measles, mumps and rubella viruses. This vaccine is recommended for children 12 to15 months of age and older and adults.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by a health care professional as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) of the outer part of the upper arm. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. This vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines that are part of the standard childhood vaccination series, or also at the same time varicella virus vaccine is given. However, this vaccine should be given one month before or after other live virus vaccines in general.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause irritation, redness, swelling, warmth, itching, bruising or pain at the injection site. Other side effects include fever (up to 103 degrees F, 39.4 degrees C), muscle or joint aches, swollen glands, general body discomfort, headache, nausea or a rash between the 5th and 12th day after the vaccination. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following after vaccination with this medication: dizziness, vomiting, tingling of the hands or feet, hearing difficulties, vision problems, seizures. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this vaccine, tell the doctor or nurse if you are allergic to it; or to components of the vaccine such as eggs, gelatin, or neomycin; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: serious infections (with high fever), certain blood/bone marrow disorders (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, other cancers affecting the bone marrow), immune system problems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, certain cancer chemotherapies). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially if you have: tuberculosis, seizures, head injury, low platelet count, family history of immune system problems. This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Pregnancy should be avoided for at least 3 months following vaccination. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Mumps - Read about mumps treatment, causes (paramyxovirus infection), symptoms (parotitis), complications (orchitis, deafness, meningitis, encephalitis) and MMR vaccine.
- German Measles (Rubella) - Get the facts on German measles (rubella) symptoms (red rash), causes (virus), infection during pregnancy and MMR vaccination. Learn how the disease is spread.
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