GENERIC NAME: POLIOVIRUS VACCINE - INJECTION (POE-lee-oh vack-SEEN)
BRAND NAME(S): Ipol, Poliovax
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is a vaccine. It causes your immune system to protect you from polio virus.
HOW TO USE: This vaccine (IPV) is given by injection under the skin in a series of separate doses. Other doses may be given as the oral polio vaccine (OPV). Before use, the vaccine should be checked for particles or discoloration. It is critical to follow your physician's instructions exactly and complete the entire treatment series. All doses of vaccine must be used before protection against polio can occur. Discuss fully the benefits and risks of the two types of polio vaccine with your doctor and which treatment series would be best for you or your child.
SIDE EFFECTS: This vaccine is generally well tolerated. Temporary and infrequent redness, swelling or pain at the injection site has occurred. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), recent fever/illness, anti-cancer radiation treatment. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This vaccine may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of immune- suppressing drugs such as: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), alkylating agents (e.g., cisplatin, hydroxyurea), antimetabolites (e.g., thioguanine). In the clinic or pharmacy, do not mix this vaccine with diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) or DTaP in the same syringe as the strength of the polio vaccine may be decreased if prepared in this manner. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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.
- Polio - Get information on polio, how it's spread, its causes (poliovirus), symptoms, signs, history, treatment, types (paralytic and non-paralytic) and prevention with a vaccine. Polio has also been called infantile paralysis.
- Post-Polio Syndrome - Read about post-polio syndrome (PPS) symptoms like weakness, fatigue, muscle atrophy, joint pain, scoliosis, and more. Treatment information is included.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows