Prevnar 13

Prevnar 13 vaccine is an active immunizing agent used for the prevention of pneumococcal bacterial infection. This drug works by stimulating the production of antibodies in the body against the bacteria.

Pneumococcal infection can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia, which affects the lungs, meningitis, which affects the brain, and bacteremia, which is a severe infection in the blood. Pneumococcal infection is also an important cause of ear infections in children.

This vaccine is recommended for infants and young children 6 weeks to 5 years of age, children 6 to 17 years of age, or to adults 50 years of age and older. For infants and young children, immunization requires 1 to 4 doses of the vaccine, depending on the age at the first dose.

This vaccine can be given at the same time as other routine vaccinations. This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your healthcare professional.

If you are about to start using Prevnar 13, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

This vaccine is generally well-tolerated and effective in children. The safety and effectiveness in children younger than 6 weeks of age have not been established. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of pneumococcal 13-valent diphtheria conjugate vaccine in the elderly.

Indications of harm to the fetus have not been reported in animal studies while risks to the fetus have not been demonstrated in studies in pregnant women. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits before of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as Acetaminophen.

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as apnea in premature babies, or immune system problems.

To use Prevnar 13 properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Call your child's doctor for another appointment.

Before using Prevnar 13, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Seek immediate medical if you have symptoms of anaphylaxis such as rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after receiving the vaccine.

This vaccine will not protect you or your child against all types of pneumococcal infections. This vaccine is also ineffective against an active infection.

Inform the healthcare professional if you are receiving a treatment or using a drug that causes a weak immune system such as:

• Radiation treatment
• Steroid drugs
• Cancer drugs

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Prevnar 13. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Coughing, Wheezing, or Shortness of breath
• Difficult or Labored breathing
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Fast heartbeat
• Noisy breathing
• Seizures
• Skin itching, rash, or redness
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• Tightness in the chest
• Bladder pain
• blistering, Peeling, or Loosening of the skin
• Bloody or Cloudy urine
• Bluish lips or skin
• Body aches or pain
• Choking
• Confusion
• Decreased urine output
• Diarrhea
• Difficult, Burning, or Painful urination
• Dilated neck veins
• Ear congestion
• Extreme fatigue
• Fainting
• Frequent urge to urinate
• General feeling of discomfort or illness
• Headache
• Hives, Irregular breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Itching
• Joint or Muscle pain
• Large, Hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of voice
• Lower back or Side pain
• Muscle aches and pains
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea
• Not breathing
• Puffiness or Swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Rapid, Shallow breathing
• Red, Irritated eyes
• Runny nose
• Shivering
• Sore throat
• Sores, Ulcers, or White spots in the mouth or on the lips
• Sweating
• Swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• Swollen, Painful, or Tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• Trouble sleeping
• Troubled breathing
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vomiting
• Weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.