Zostavax Vaccine
Prescription Required
Product introduction
Zostavax Vaccine is a medicine used in adults 50 years of age or older to prevent herpes zoster (also called shingles). It contains a weakened chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus). It works by helping your immune system protect you from getting herpes zoster.
Zostavax Vaccine is used to prevent some infectious diseases
Zostavax Vaccine is used to prevent some infectious diseases
Uses of Zostavax Injection
- Prevention of Herpes zoster
Benefits of Zostavax Injection
In Prevention of Herpes zoster
Zostavax Vaccine helps prevent Herpes zoster infection, a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The vaccine induces persistent immunity to the viral infection in healthy children and adults. It also has the potential to lower the risk of reactivation of latent virus (latent virus means that the virus is in a resting phase, and is not producing more active viruses). It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse and should not be self-administered. Keeping the immune system healthy, is the best way to prevent it. Maintaining good hygiene is another way of preventing herpes zoster infection.
Side effects of Zostavax Injection
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Zostavax
- Fever
- Headache
- Injection site itching
- Pain
- Skin rash
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Swelling
- Upper respiratory tract infection
How to use Zostavax Injection
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Zostavax Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Zostavax Vaccine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zostavax Vaccine is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving
SAFE
Zostavax Vaccine does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zostavax Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Zostavax Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zostavax Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Zostavax Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine
Quick tips
- Zostavax Vaccine helps prevent herpes zoster and the long-lasting nerve pain that follows it.
- It is used to vaccinate individuals 50 years of age or older.
- It is injected under the skin or into the muscle, preferably in the upper arm as a single dose.
- You may get a rash or mild fever, feel tired or sore at the site of the injection.
- Do not take Zostavax Vaccine if you are pregnant or have a weak immune system.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Vaccines
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
VACCINES
Action Class
Live attenuated vaccines
Patient concerns
User feedback
Patients taking Zostavax Vaccine
Once A Month
63%
Once A Day
20%
Once A Week
10%
Twice A Month
6%
Thrice A week
2%
What are you using Zostavax Injection for?
Shingles
60%
Others
20%
Chickenpox
20%
How much was the improvement?
Average
44%
Poor
33%
Excellent
22%
What were the side-effects while using Zostavax Vaccine?
No Side Effec*
100%
*No Side Effect
How do you take Zostavax Injection?
With or witho*
100%
*With or without food
Please rate Zostavax Vaccine on price
Expensive
100%
FAQs
Is Zostavax Vaccine live or inactivated?
Zostavax Vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine. It contains a weakened virus that helps stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the actual infection causing virus. This helps protect the individual from getting infected in future, if exposed.
How is Zostavax Vaccine administered?
Zostavax Vaccine should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor and should not be self-administered. It is usually given intramuscularly (into the muscle). Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Zostavax Vaccine.
Who should not get Zostavax Vaccine?
Zostavax Vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to Zostavax Vaccine or any of its ingredients or if they have had an allergic reaction to it earlier. Individuals who have compromised immunity must also refrain from getting vaccinated with Zostavax Vaccine. Pregnant females too should not be administered Zostavax Vaccine.
What are the possible side effects of Zostavax Vaccine?
The possible side effects of Zostavax Vaccine are fever, headache, injection site itching, pain, skin rash, erythema (skin redness), swelling, and upper respiratory tract infection. However, these are usually not bothersome and will resolve in sometime. If they don’t, consult your doctor.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
- Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher's & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. p. 197.
- ScienceDirect. Varicella Zoster Virus. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Virus. Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire: Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited; 2003 [revised 19 Nov. 2018]. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
Address: Platina, 8th Floor, C.59, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East) , Mumbai - 400098,
Country of origin: India
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