Proquad

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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. To help you remember, mark your calendar with 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.

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.

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.

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.

Not applicable.

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.

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.