Uses

This medication is a combination of vaccines against several virus infections: measles (also known as rubeola), mumps, rubella (also known as German measles), and varicella (also known as chickenpox). These are common childhood infections that may cause serious (rarely fatal) problems. Vaccination is the best way to protect against these infections.This vaccine contains live viruses that have been weakened. It works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the viruses that cause measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.This combination of vaccines is usually used by children between 12 months and 12 years old.

How to use Proquad Vial

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This vaccine is given by injection by a health care professional. Depending on the brand of vaccine your child receives, it will be given either under the skin or into the muscle of the upper arm.

Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by the health care professional. Keep all scheduled medical appointments. It may be helpful to mark a calendar as a reminder.

This combination of vaccines may be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines (such as haemophilus, hepatitis B) using a separate needle and injection site.

There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your child's age, vaccination history, and previous reaction to vaccines, the health care professional will decide which vaccines are best for your child. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with the health care professional.

Side Effects

Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, fever, rash, and fussiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell the health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell the health care professional right away if your child has any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because the health care professional has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell the health care professional right away if your child has any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, joint pain/stiffness, seizures, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Precautions

Before your child receives this product, tell the health care professional if your child is allergic to it; or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as neomycin), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this product, tell the health care professional your child's medical history, especially of: current fever/illness (such as untreated tuberculosis), bleeding/blood clotting problems (such as hemophilia, low platelets), immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment), scheduled organ transplant, brain/nervous system disorders (such as seizures, head injury), history of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

There is a small risk that your child may expose others to infection with chickenpox for up to 6 weeks after your child has been vaccinated. If your child develops a rash after getting the vaccine, if possible, your child should avoid being in the same room with newborn babies (especially if born prematurely), pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, and people with immune system problems until the rash has dried or crusted over.

Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This vaccine should not be given if you are pregnant. It may harm an unborn baby. Avoid getting pregnant for 4 weeks after receiving this vaccine. Talk to your health care professional for details.

This vaccine may pass into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult the health care professional before breastfeeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your child's medications work or increase your child's risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products your child uses (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with the health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your child's doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: drugs that weaken the immune system (such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone), recent blood transfusion or use of blood products (such as immunoglobulins), certain antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir).

Avoid giving your child aspirin or aspirin-like medications (such as salsalate) for 6 weeks after your child has been vaccinated.

This product may interfere with certain lab tests (such as tuberculosis skin tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all the health care professionals know that your child has recently received this product.

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Overdose

Not applicable.

Notes Notes

Even if your child has already had any of the diseases that this vaccine prevents, your child may not be protected from getting those diseases again. Your child should still receive this vaccine if the health care professional orders it.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

It is important that your child receives each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when your child received their last vaccination for their medical record.

Storage Storage

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Protect from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.