Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Prevnar 13


Pronunciation: NEU-mo-KOK-al
Generic Name: Pneumococcal 13-Valent Conjugate Vaccine
Brand Name: Prevnar 13


Prevnar 13 is used for:

Preventing certain infections caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.


Prevnar 13 is a vaccine. It works by stimulating the body to make antibodies to S. pneumoniae bacteria.


Do NOT use Prevnar 13 if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Prevnar 13, in the pneumococcal 7-valent vaccine, or to any vaccine that contains diphtheria toxoid

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Prevnar 13:


Some medical conditions may interact with Prevnar 13. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances (including rubber)

  • if you have a fever or a history of seizures, spleen problems, sickle cell disease, or certain kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome)

  • if you have bleeding or blood clotting problems, or you have low blood platelet levels

  • if you have a weakened immune system (eg, cancer, HIV infection) or are taking medicines or treatments (eg, radiation therapy) that may weaken the immune response

  • if the patient is a child who was born prematurely

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Prevnar 13. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of side effects, such as bleeding at the injection site, may be increased

  • Medicines that decrease the immune response, such as corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or cancer medicines, because they may decrease Prevnar 13's effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Prevnar 13 may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Prevnar 13:


Use Prevnar 13 as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Prevnar 13 is given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.

  • Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

  • If you miss a dose of Prevnar 13, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Prevnar 13.



Important safety information:


  • Before you are given Prevnar 13, a health care provider should inform you of the benefits and risks. Vaccine information statements should be provided to you before each vaccination.

  • Make sure your health care provider has a complete record of your vaccinations and is aware of your current health status. Be sure that your medical record shows that you have received Prevnar 13.

  • It is important that you complete the vaccination series. Prevnar 13 is not a substitute for routine diphtheria immunization.

  • Prevnar 13 may not protect everyone who receives it. It will not protect against pneumonia or other infections (including ear infections) caused by organisms not covered by this vaccine.

  • Prevnar 13 is not recommended for use in the ELDERLY or other adults and should not be used as a substitute for the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for elderly patients.

  • Prevnar 13 is for use in infants and toddlers. Safety and effectiveness of Prevnar 13 in premature INFANTS, INFANTS younger than 6 weeks old, or CHILDREN 6 years old or older has not been determined.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Prevnar 13 is not approved for use in adults. It is not known if Prevnar 13 can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Prevnar 13, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Prevnar 13 while you are pregnant. It is not known if Prevnar 13 is found in breast milk.


Possible side effects of Prevnar 13:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Decreased appetite; fever; irritability; redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site; sleep changes.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); persistent cough; severe or persistent fever; severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting; seizures; shortness of breath; stomach pain or cramps; wheezing.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch .


See also: Prevnar3 side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.


Proper storage of Prevnar 13:

Prevnar 13 is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Prevnar 13 at home, store Prevnar 13 as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Prevnar 13 out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Prevnar 13, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Prevnar 13 is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Prevnar 13. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Prevnar 13 resources


  • Prevnar 13 Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Prevnar 13 Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Prevnar 13 Drug Interactions
  • Prevnar 13 Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Prevnar3 - Add your own review/rating


  • Prevnar 13 Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Prevnar 13 Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Prevnar 13 Consumer Overview



Compare Prevnar 13 with other medications


  • Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis

No comments:

Post a Comment