Pneumococcal 7-valent vaccine, diphtheria conjugate (Injection)

Introduction:

Pneumococcal 7-Valent Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate (NOO-moe-KOK-al 7-VAY-lent VAX-een, dif-THEER-ee-a KON-joo-gate)

Given to babies and young children to prevent infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, or ear and sinus infections.

Brand Name(s):

Prevnar

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 as 4 separate shots over several months. Your doctor will tell you the correct number of shots and the schedule to be followed for your child's vaccines.

If a dose is missed:

• It is important to receive all of the shots in this series.
• Try to keep all the appointments scheduled with your child's doctor. If you must cancel an appointment, reschedule it as soon as possible.

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 the doctor knows if your child is receiving a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or any other medicines before getting this shot.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure the doctor knows if your child has an illness with a fever or if your child has any blood-clotting problems.
• Patients who have problems with their immune system (such as those who are using a steroid medicine like prednisone, receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or who have HIV infection or AIDS) may not be fully protected by this vaccine. Because there may be some benefit, your child's doctor may still want to give the vaccine.
• Tell your child's doctor right away if you notice any unwanted effects after receiving the vaccine.

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.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Fever over 101° F.
• Seizures or fainting.
• Severe loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Severe sleepiness or irritability.
• Skin rash, hives, or itching.
• Swelling in the face, throat, or lips.
• Wheezing or trouble with breathing.

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

• Irritability, restlessness, or fussiness.
• Loss of appetite with vomiting or diarrhea.
• Lump, swelling, pain, tenderness, or redness where the shot was given.
• Sleepiness or drowsiness.

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