Uses
What is Shingrix used for?
Shingrix (zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted) is commonly given to help prevent shingles. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a condition that causes a painful rash with blisters. It is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, in people who have already had chickenpox. This vaccine will not give you chickenpox or shingles. It also will not treat an infection
Learn more about Preventing Shingles With Shingrix.
How does Shingrix work (mechanism of action)?
Shingrix triggers your immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the varicella-zoster virus. If you have antibodies against this virus, your body is better able to fight the virus if it reactivates, which may help prevent you from getting shingles.
How should I store Shingrix?
Shingrix is usually given by a healthcare provider in a pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Shingrix?
The most common side effects of Shingrix are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Muscle pain
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Shivering
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
There may be other side effects of Shingrix that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Shingrix?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Shingrix are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Shingrix may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Shingrix?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Shingrix.
- Zoster vaccine
- Shingrix
- Any of the ingredients in Shingrix
Your healthcare provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Shingrix.
What should I know about Shingrix before using it?
Shingrix is usually given by a healthcare provider in a pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. Although Shingrix can help prevent shingles, it does not prevent chickenpox. While Shingrix is very effective at preventing shingles, there is a small chance that people who receive the vaccine can still get shingles. In these cases, Shingrix may help prevent postherpetic neuralgia, which is nerve pain that sometimes occurs after a shingles infection.
If you have previously received a shingles vaccine called Zostavax, you should still receive two doses of Shingrix. Zostavax is no longer available.
If you need other vaccines, such as the flu or pneumonia vaccine, you can get them on the same day as Shingrix. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Your risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving Shingrix. Your healthcare provider may want to watch you for this time to ensure your safety.
A vaccine information statement should be provided to you by your healthcare provider before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.
Shingrix requires a series of two injections. When you get your first shot, your healthcare provider will tell you when to schedule or come back for your second shot. Make sure to follow the schedule recommended by your healthcare provider. It is important to get both doses, for maximum protection against shingles.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Shingrix?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Shingrix is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- A history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- Fever or recent illness, including current or recent shingles infection
- A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system such as radiation or chemotherapy
- A history of any type of reaction after any vaccine
- A history of fainting after an injection
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Shingrix could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Shingrix passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Shingrix while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Shingrix?
For more information about Shingrix, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.shingrix.com or call them at 888-825-5249.
Interactions
Does Shingrix interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Shingrix and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Shingrix.
Does Shingrix interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Shingrix and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally receive too much Shingrix?
Shingrix is given by a healthcare provider. Keep a record of all vaccines you receive and share it with your healthcare provider. If you have any side effects, please report them by calling 800-822-7967 or filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Shingrix?
Shingrix is given as two doses. Keep both appointments for your Shingrix vaccines. If you miss an appointment to get Shingrix, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.