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GENERIC NAME: PNEUMOCOCCAL PEDIATRIC VACCINE - INJECTION (NEU-mo-KOK-al pee-dee-AT-rik vack-SEEN)

BRAND NAME(S): Prevnar

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This vaccine helps protect young children (e.g., infants and toddlers) against serious infections (e.g., meningitis, pneumonia) due to certain bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae).

HOW TO USE: Learn how to prepare and inject this vaccine. If any of the information is unclear, consult the doctor or pharmacist. Before using, shake the injection well. Inject this medication into a muscle (IM) as directed by the doctor. Do not inject this medication into a vein (IV). If this vaccination is given before spleen surgery or before receiving cancer chemotherapy or other drugs that suppress the immune system, it should be given at least 2 weeks before these procedures to be effective. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more information. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

SIDE EFFECTS: Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, swelling), muscle or joint aches, nausea, or fever may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell the doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual weakness (fatigue), tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, easy bleeding or bruising, swollen glands. 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: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: your vaccination/immunization history, recent illness or fever, blood disorders (e.g., bleeding problems, low platelets), immune system problems (e.g., due to cancer treatments, HIV), any allergies (especially to diphtheria toxoid or latex). This vaccine is not recommended for use in adults. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. This vaccine is not recommended for use in a nursing mother.




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.


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pneumococcal pediatric vaccine-injection, Prevnar

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. There are many types of encephalitis, most of which are caused by infections. Most often these infections are caused by viruses. Encephalitis can also be caused by diseases that cause inflammation of the brain.

What are symptoms of encephalitis?

Symptoms of encephalitis include sudden fever, headache, vomiting, visual sensitivity to light, stiff neck and back, confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness, unsteady gait, and irritability. Loss of consciousness, poor responsiveness, seizures, muscle weakness, sudden severe dementia and memory loss can also be found in patients with encephalitis.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of encephalitis should see a doctor immediately.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (called meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis may be caused by many di...

Read the Encephalitis and Meningitis article »




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