Meningococcal Polysaccharide (Groups A,C,Y,W... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Meningococcal Polysaccharide (Groups A,C,Y,W-135) Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Menomune A/C/Y/W-135

What is this medicine?

MENINGOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE DIPHTHERIA TOXOID CONJUGATE VACCINE is a vaccine to protect from bacterial meningitis. This vaccine does not contain live virus. It will not cause a meningitis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorder
• fever or infection
• history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
• immune system problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to diphtheria toxoid, meningococcal vaccine, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

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 2 years 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.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

• adalimumab
• anakinra
• infliximab
• medicines for organ transplant
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
• medicines to treat cancer
• medicines used during some procedures to diagnose a medical condition
• other vaccines
• some medicines for arthritis
• 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.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Report any side effects that are worrisome to your doctor right away. Call your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms within 6 weeks of getting this vaccine.

This vaccine may not protect from all meningitis infections.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

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
• fever over 102 degrees F
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• unusual drooping or paralysis of face
• muscle weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• chills
• diarrhea
• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches and pains
• pain at site where injected
• tired

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.