Drugs & Vitamins

Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine Active Ingredients: Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine Representative Names: Zostavax What is Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine? What side effects may I notice from receiving Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine? What should I watch for while taking Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine? (Back to top) HERPES ZOSTER VIRUS VACCINE (Zostavax®) helps to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) in adults at least 60 years old who have had the chickenpox or the vaccine for chickenpox. Although you still may get shingles even though you have been vaccinated, you may not have the nerve pain that can follow shingles, or the pain may not last as long. The vaccine is not used to treat shingles once you have it. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma •fever or infection including tuberculosis •herpes zoster or shingles •HIV infection or AIDS •immune system problems •an unusual reaction to Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine, neomycin, gelatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) The vaccine is for injection under the skin on your upper arm. It is given by a health-care professional in a clinic or doctor's office. A single dose is given to adults at least 60 years of age. At this time, 'booster' doses of the vaccine have not been recommended. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. The vaccine is given as a single dose. What drug(s) may interact with Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine? (Back to top) Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: •adalimumab •anakinra •etanercept •infliximab •medicines that suppress your immune system like medicines for cancer This medicine may also interact with the following medications: •immunoglobulins •steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone •vaccines Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: •allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •headache •redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or itching at the injection site •tiredness or weakness What should I watch for while taking Herpes Zoster Virus Vaccine? (Back to top) A mild fever or cold by itself it not always reason to delay receiving the vaccine. Your health care provider will determine if it is appropriate for the vaccine to be given if you have a cold or mild fever. After the vaccine has been given, the virus from the vaccine may be transmitted to other people. Avoid people who have a weakened immune system, such as people with HIV infection or AIDS, and pregnant women who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine for chickenpox. Ask your health care professional about immunization for other family members. If you get shingles, see your health care provider as soon as possible after getting the rash. Tell your doctor if you are or could be pregnant before getting the vaccine. You should not get the vaccine if you are pregnant, and do not become pregnant for 3 months after getting the vaccine. If you become pregnant within 3 months of getting the vaccine, call 1—800—986—8999. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Each dose of this vaccine will be administered in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given vaccine doses to store at home. Last Updated:06/09/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.