What is this medicine?
VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (var uh SEL uh VAHY ruhs vak SEEN) is used to prevent infections of chickpox.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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
- breathing problems
- extreme changes in behavior
- feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
- fever over 102 degrees F
- pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- seizures
- unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- aches or pains
- chickenpox-like rash
- diarrhea
- low-grade fever under 102 degrees F
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting
- redness, pain, swelling at site where injected
- sleepy
- trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
This vaccine is for injection under the skin. It is given by a health care professional.
A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
Keep appointments for follow-up (booster) doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
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What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
- adalimumab
- anakinra
- etanercept
- infliximab
- medicines that suppress your immune system
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
- blood transfusions
- immunoglobulins
- medicines to treat cancer
- steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
Monovalent Varicella Vaccine (Varivax®) or Fixed Combination of Varicella Vaccine and MMR (MMRV; ProQuad®)
- Hypersensitivity to the vaccine or any component in the formulation, including gelatin. (See Gelatin Allergy under Cautions.)
- History of anaphylactic reaction to neomycin. (See Neomycin Allergy under Cautions.)
- Blood dyscrasias, leukemia, lymphomas of any type, or any other malignant neoplasms affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system. (See Individuals with Altered Immunocompetence under Cautions.)
- Primary and acquired immunodeficiencies, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or other clinical manifestations of HIV infection, cellular immune deficiency, hypogammaglobulinemia, and dysgammaglobulinemia. (See Individuals with Altered Immunocompetence under Cautions.)
- Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., corticosteroids, antineoplastic agents, radiation). (See Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests under Interactions.)
- Family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency, unless immune competence has been demonstrated in the potential vaccine recipient. (See Individuals with Altered Immunocompetence under Cautions.)
- Active untreated tuberculosis. (See Tuberculosis under Cautions.)
- Febrile respiratory illness or other active febrile infection. (See Concomitant Illness under Cautions.)
- Pregnancy. (See Pregnancy under Cautions.)
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups.
This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.
After receiving this vaccine it may be possible to pass chickenpox infection to others. For up to 6 weeks, avoid people with immune system problems, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, and newborns of women who have not had chickenpox. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Do not become pregnant for 3 months after taking this vaccine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
- blood disorders or disease
- cancer like leukemia or lymphoma
- immune system problems or therapy
- infection with fever
- recent immune globulin therapy
- tuberculosis
- an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, neomycin, gelatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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