Varivax Vaccine (0.5ml)


Varivax Vaccine is indicated for active immunization for prevention of chickenpox in individuals 12 months of age and older. It is generally given as an injection under the skin or into the muscle of the upper arm in two doses.


Varivax Vaccine is administered by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It protects the child from diseases that can be caused by the varicella virus. It is given to children between 12 months to 12 years of age and the second dose after a minimum gap of 3 months. For adolescents and adults as well, it is given in two doses a minimum of 4 weeks apart.


Some common side effects of this medicine include mild pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injection, rashes, and low-grade fever. These are usually temporary and resolve with time. However, if these side effects do not go away with time or get worse, let the doctor know. The doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.


To make sure the vaccine is safe, before receiving the vaccine, it is important to let the doctor know if you have any other illnesses. You should also tell the doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult and seek advice from their doctor before receiving the vaccine.



Basic Information

Mechanism Of Action

The varicella-zoster vaccine contains live attenuated varicella-zoster vaccine (Oka strain). This vaccine induces both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses

Pharmacokinets

There are two chickenpox vaccines approved for use in the United States: one single antigen vaccine and one combination vaccine. Both vaccines contain live attenuated (weakened) varicella-zoster virus Attenuated: Weakened, diluted, thinned, reduced, weakened, diminished. The use of "attenuated" in medicine is not new. In the 16th century, eating dried figs was claimed to attenuate the body fluids. Now "attenuated" refers to procedures that weaken an agent of disease (a pathogen)

Side Effects

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)

Fever

Rash

Contra Indications

Contraindications to varicella vaccine include severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component (eg, gelatin, neomycin), pregnancy, and being severely immunocompromised

Pregnancy Related Information

Varivax Vaccine is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.


Product And Alcohol Interaction

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Varivax Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.


Breast Feeding Related Information

Varivax Vaccine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.


Indications

Varicella Vaccine (live) attenuated is a vaccine. It helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness, but it does stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies to protect against any future infections

Interactions

VARICELLA (LIVE ATTENUATED) may interact with a pain killer (aspirin) and cause Reye syndrome (a severe condition that causes liver and brain damage). VARICELLA (LIVE ATTENUATED) may also interact with immunoglobulin therapy (human normal immunoglobulin and varicella-zoster immune globulin).


Typical Dosage

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. 

Storage Requirements

Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze.


Effects Of Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Varivax Vaccine, please consult your doctor.


Effects Of Overdose

Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.


Expert Advice

Varivax Vaccine helps prevent chickenpox.

It is given as an injection under the skin or into the muscle of the upper arm.

It is given as two doses. The second dose is given 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose.

You may get a rash or mild fever, or you feel tired or sore at the site of the injection.

Do not take Varivax Vaccine if you are pregnant or have a weak immune system.

How To Use

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.


FAQs

Q. Is Varivax Vaccine live or inactivated?

Varivax 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.

Q. How is Varivax Vaccine administered?

Varivax 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 as an injection under your skin, either in the upper arm or in the outer thigh. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Varivax Vaccine.

Q. Who should not get Varivax Vaccine?

Varivax Vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to Varivax Vaccine or any of its ingredients or if they have had an allergic reaction to it earlier. Individuals who have compromised immunity such as HIV patients, and those that have fever must also refrain from getting vaccinated with Varivax Vaccine. Pregnant females too should not be administered Varivax Vaccine.

Q. What are the possible side effects of Varivax Vaccine?

The possible side effects of Varivax Vaccine are fever, injection site itching, pain, skin rash, erythema (skin redness), and swelling. However, these are usually not bothersome and will resolve in sometime. If they don’t, consult your doctor.