Meningococcal vaccine, diphtheria conjugate (Injection)

Introduction:

Meningococcal Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate (me-NINJ-oh-kok-kal vak-SEEN, dif-THEER-ee-a KON-joo-gate)

Prevents disease such as meningitis, caused by bacteria called meningococcus. This medicine is a vaccine.

Brand Name(s):

Menactra

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

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 into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This vaccine is usually given only once. You will not need a booster unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

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 if you are using blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment.
• Your doctor should know about all other vaccines you have recently received, including a flu shot.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia, or if you have recently been sick.
• Meningitis can be caused by many different viral or bacterial germ types. This vaccine protects against only four of these germ types and may not prevent disease that is caused by other types.
• This vaccine will not prevent diphtheria, and will not treat a meningococcal infection that you already have.

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.
• Fever or chills.

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

• Diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.
• Skin rash.
• Tiredness.

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