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Measles virus vaccine, live (Injection)

Brand Name(s):

Attenuvax

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to measles virus vaccine, gelatin, neomycin, or eggs. Your child under one year of age should not receive this medicine, unless under your doctor's supervision. You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant. You should not receive this medicine if you have active untreated tuberculosis (TB), any blood disorders, cancer of bone marrow, or any ongoing infection. You should not receive this medicine if you are using medicines or conditions that weaken your immune system (such as HIV or AIDS).

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you are using.
Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had a head injury, any seizure disorder, or high fever.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have had a blood transfusion in the past three months, before you receive this vaccine.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Chest tightness or trouble breathing.
High fever.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Problems in hearing or severe ear pain.
Swelling of your feet, hands, or face.
Seizures or severe headache.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Blurred vision.
Mild skin rash or itching.
Mild headache.
Mild nausea.
Pain, redness, swelling, or a lump under your skin at the injection site.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor:

Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010

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