poliovirus vaccine - injection, Ipol

BRAND NAME(S): Ipol

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

USES: This medication is a vaccine. It is used to prevent a certain virus infection (polio). It is usually given to infants and children as part of routine immunization. It may also be given to adults at high risk for polio infection (such as before travel to countries where polio is common). Severe infection with polio may damage nerve cells, causing an inability to move (paralysis) in part of the body (such as the legs, arms, breathing muscles). This vaccine works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the polio virus.Like any vaccine, this vaccine may not fully protect against infection, and it will not help if you already have the virus.

HOW TO USE: Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care provider.This medication is given by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. It is usually injected into a thigh muscle. It may also be injected into the upper arm muscle or under the skin. This medication should not be injected into a vein.Children receive the vaccine in 4 separate doses. Adults may receive 1 to 3 doses depending on their previous vaccination history and medical condition. All doses are given at least 4 weeks apart. For the best protection, it is important to receive all scheduled doses. To help you remember, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.This vaccine is usually given at the same time as other vaccines.

SIDE EFFECTS: Redness/swelling/tenderness at the injection site, fever, irritability, and tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Infrequently, temporary symptoms such as fainting/dizziness/lightheadedness, vision changes, numbness/tingling, or seizure-like movements have happened after vaccine injections. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms soon after receiving an injection. Sitting or lying down may relieve symptoms.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.Contact the doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving poliovirus vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as neomycin, streptomycin, polymyxin B, 2-phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current fever/illness, immune system problems (such as due to cancer treatment, HIV infection).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs that weaken the immune system (such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids including prednisone).This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

OVERDOSE: Overdose with this vaccine is highly unlikely. If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

MISSED DOSE: It is important that each vaccination is received as scheduled. Be sure to ask when each dose should be received and make a note on a calendar to help you remember. If you miss an appointment, contact the doctor for advice.

STORAGE: Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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