What is human papillomavirus vaccine?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause genital warts, cancer of the cervix, and various cancers of the vulva or vagina.
The bivalent (bye-VAY-lent) form of HPV vaccine ( Cervarix) is used only in females. Another form of HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is used in both females and males. This medication guide provides information only for Cervarix.
HPV bivalent (Cervarix) vaccine is used to prevent cervical cancer caused by certain types of HPV (types 16 and 18) in girls and young women ages 10 through 25.
HPV vaccine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about human papillomavirus vaccine?
The bivalent (bye-VAY-lent) form of HPV vaccine ( Cervarix) is used only in females. Another form of HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is used in both females and males. This medication guide provides information only for Cervarix.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Before receiving HPV bivalent vaccine, tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system, or if you are allergic to latex rubber.
HPV vaccine should not be used in place of having a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
You may feel faint after receiving this vaccine. Some people have had seizure-like reactions after receiving this vaccine. Your doctor may want you to remain under observation during the first 15 minutes after the injection.
Developing cancer from HPV is much more dangerous to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
HPV vaccine will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving human papillomavirus vaccine?
To make sure you can safely receive this vaccine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, you should not receive HPV vaccine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before you have received all doses of this vaccine.
It is not known whether HPV vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this vaccine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
HPV vaccine will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
HPV bivalent vaccine will not prevent diseases caused by HPV types other than types 16 and 18. There are over 100 different types of HPV.