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- What is Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the side effects of Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
- What is the dosage for Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
- Is Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
What is Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Zoster vaccine contains live, attenuated (weakened) varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Varicella-zoster causes chickenpox and then becomes dormant in nerves. VZV reactivates and causes herpes zoster (shingles or zoster) later in life (usually 60 years of age or older) when immunity against VZV declines. Zoster vaccine stimulates the immune system to develop immunity against VZV. The FDA approved zoster vaccine in May 2006.
What brand names are available for Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
Zostavax
Is Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine) available as a generic drug?
No
Do I need a prescription for Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
Yes
What are the side effects of Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
The most common adverse effects are:
Some individuals may experience shingles or chickenpox-like rashes within 42 days after receiving zoster vaccine. Transmission of VZV virus from vaccinated individuals to other individuals occurs rarely.
What is the dosage for Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
Zoster vaccine is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the upper arm. The recommended dose is 0.65 ml.
Which drugs or supplements interact with Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
In clinical studies, concomitant use of zoster vaccine and Pneumovax reduced the activity of zoster vaccine.

QUESTION
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. See AnswerIs Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Zoster vaccine is not used for preventing shingles in women of child bearing age and should not be administered to pregnant women.
Zoster vaccine is not used for preventing shingles in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine)?
What preparations of Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine) are available?
Powder for Injection: 0.65 ml
How should I keep Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine) stored?
Powder should be stored frozen at 15 C (5 F) or colder until ready to use. Diluent should be stored at room temperature (20 C - 25 C [68 F - 77 F]) or refrigerated at (2 C - 8 C [36 F - 46 F]).
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Summary
Zoster vaccine live (Zostavax) is an attenuated vaccine given to individuals age 60 or older for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster). Side effects, warnings and precautions, pregnancy information, and complications, should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Picture of Shingles
An acute infection caused by the herpes zoster virus, the same virus as causes chickenpox. See a picture of Shingles and learn...
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Picture of Herpes Zoster
Also called shingles, zona, and zoster. The culprit is the varicella-zoster virus. Primary infection with this virus causes...
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Picture of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection (Face)
Multiple, very pruritic, erythematous papules, vesicles (“dewdrops on a rose petal”), and crusted papules on erythematous,...
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Picture of Varicella (Chickenpox) Virus
A highly infectious viral disease, known familiarly as chickenpox. See a picture of the Varicella (Chicken Pox) Virus and learn...
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Picture of Varicella Chicken Pox
Varicella Chickenpox is caused by a virus of the herpes group. The disease is highly contagious and is spread by droplet or...
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Picture of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection on Chest Wall
Typical grouped vesicles and pustules with erythema and edema of three contiguous thoracic dermatomes on the posterior chest...
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Picture of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection Close-Up
Grouped and confluent vesicles surrounding erythema on the chest wall. See a Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection: Close-Up and learn...
Related Disease Conditions
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Shingles
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. Other shingles symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, and body aches. Treatment focuses on pain management and shortening the duration of the illness with antiviral medications.
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Is Shingles Contagious?
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles symptoms and signs include skin burning, numbness, and tingling along with a painful red, blistering rash. Shingles is contagious until all of the blisters have crusted over.
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Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation period of 14 to 16 days and include a couple days of mild fever, weakness, and red, raised rash that progresses to blisters that eventually burst and crust over. Complications include bacterial infection of the open sores, scarring, encephalitis, nerve palsies, and Reye's syndrome.
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Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful complication of shingles. Symptoms include severe pain, itchy skin, and possible weakness or paralysis of the area. There is no treatment for postherpetic neuralgia that is effective for all patients.
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Eye Herpes
Herpes of the eye occurs due to herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Symptoms of herpes of the eye include pain in and around the eye, rash or sores on the eyelids, redness, swelling, and cloudiness of the cornea.
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What Triggers a Shingles Outbreak?
Shingles occur when the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox, reactivates in the body, usually due to a weakened immune system. Learn about the symptoms of shingles and how you can treat them.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
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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.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information for Zostavax