Meruvax II

Meruvax II vaccine is used to prevent infection from rubella virus. It works by introducing a small dose of the virus into your child’s body which causes the body to make antibodies (protection) against this virus.

It does not cure the active infection that has already developed in the body. It may not provide protection from diseases in every person. Rubella is a serious disease caused by a virus. It spread from person to person through the air.

This vaccine is recommended for all children above 12 months of age and older. Below 12 months of age, infant is protected by his/her mother antibodies.

Rubella vaccination is important for employees in medical facilities, adolescents and adult men, persons traveling outside the U.S., all children 12 months of age and older, including school-aged children and especially women of child bearing age.

It is available in the powder (for solution) or injectable form only with your doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start Meruvax II, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Allergy

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children

It should not be used in children younger than 12 months of age as they are already protected by their mother antibodies. You should wait till your child is 12 months of age.

Elderly

It is not recommended to be used by elder patient.

Pregnancy

It is a category C drug. It should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not become pregnant for 3 months after getting Rubella vaccine.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies which prove that Rubella vaccine passes into breast milk. If you are using Rubella vaccine while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.

Drug Interactions

Rubella vaccine may interact with other drugs.

Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He/she may want to change the dosage or drug.

Some of them are listed below:

• Corticosteroids (prednisone)
• Cyclosporine
• Deflazacort
• Azathioprine
• Bleomycin
• Broxuridine
• Busulfan
• Capecitabine
• Carboplatin

This is not the complete list of drugs. You should inform your doctor before taking any new medicine.

Other Medical Problem

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Fever or severe illness,
• Tumor
• HIV
• The family history of weak immune systems.

To use Meruvax II properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. It is given as an injection into your skin by your doctor or health care professional in hospital or clinic.

Dosage

It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s instructions.

• Adults and children 12 months of age and older: One dose injected under the skin.

In using Meruvax II, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Make sure you do not become pregnant for 3 months after getting this vaccine as it is known to cause birth defects. One should use a very effective form of birth control method.

The result of TB skin test is affected if you have received this vaccine within 8 weeks of this test. Inform your doctor if you are receiving any other live vaccine within 1 months of receiving rubella vaccine.

You should inform your doctor before receiving blood or gamma globulin transfusion within 2 weeks of receiving this vaccine.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Meruvax II to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

More common are:

• Burning or stinging at the injection site
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fever
• General feeling of being unwell
• Headache
• Irritability
• Muscle or joint ache
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Vomiting

Less common:

• Pain or tenderness of eyes

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.