Generic
Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine
At a glance
Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine — brands, prices, indication, dosage and side effects available in Bangladesh.
Description
Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine is a medicine used in adults 50 years of age or older to prevent herpes zoster (also called shingles). It contains a weakened chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus). It works by helping your immune system protect you from getting herpes zoster. It is given by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It prevents the nerve pain that can follow herpes zoster (shingles) in some people. It does not protect everyone, so some people who get the vaccine may still get the disease. It cannot be used to treat herpes zoster or the nerve pain that may follow shingles, once you have it. The most common side effects of this medicine include redness, pain, itching, swelling, or bruising where the shot was given. It may also cause fever, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection. If these side effects do not go away with time or get worse, let your doctor know. Your doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms. To make sure the vaccine is safe for you, before receiving the vaccine, it is important to let your doctor know if you have any problems with your heart, liver, or kidneys. You should also tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine is a vaccine. It helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness, but it does stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies to protect against any future infections.
Indications
• Herpes zoster
Mechanism of action
Conveys active immunity by stimulating production of endogenously produced antibodies
Dosage
Adult Dose: Subcuteneous Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection 0.65 mL (entire content of vial ) injected SC into upper arm as single dose Child Dose: Not indicated
Administration
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine, please consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common: • Fever • Headache • Injection site itching • Pain • Skin rash • Erythema (skin redness) • Swelling • Upper respiratory tract infection
Precautions & warnings
[SAFE] Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine does not usually affect your ability to drive. Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine helps prevent herpes zoster and the long-lasting nerve pain that follows it. It is used to vaccinate individuals 50 years of age or older. It is injected under the skin or into the muscle, preferably in the upper arm as a single dose. You may get a rash or mild fever, feel tired or sore at the site of the injection. Do not take Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine if you are pregnant or have a weak immune system.
Contraindications
A history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine; individuals with blood dyscrasias, leukonia, lymphomas of any type, or other malignant neoplasma affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic systems; individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
Drug interactions
Concurrent use may interfere with the immune response to certain live vaccines.
Food interactions
[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Use in lactation
[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Renal / hepatic impairment
[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor. [SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.