Key facts about Gardasil 9
What is Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 is the brand name for Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine and is available as an intramuscular injection.
What dosages is Gardasil 9 available in?
Gardasil 9 is available as a suspension that is given as an intramusclar injection.
What is Gardasil 9 used for?
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine and is used to prevent HPV infection.
How does Gardasil 9 work?
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine that protects you from 9 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause genital warts and certain cancers later in life. It helps your body’s immune system make antibodies against the virus. These antibodies will attack the virus if it ever infects your body.
How do I take Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 is dosed as follows:
Age 9 to 14 years:
This vaccine is typically a 2-dose series for this age group, given as 1 injection at 0 months and at 6 to 12 months.
If the second dose is given earlier than 5 months after the first dose, a third dose should be given at least 4 months after the second dose.
Children with weakened immune systems should receive 3 doses, given as 1 injection at 0 months, 2 months, and 6 months.
Age 15 to 45 years:
This vaccine is a 3-dose series for this age group, given as 1 injection at 0 months, 2 months, and 6 months.
Each injection (0.5 mL) is given into the shoulder or thigh muscle by a healthcare provider.
Is it safe for me to take Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity, including severe allergic reactions to yeast (a vaccine
component), or after a previous dose of Gardasil 9 or GARDASIL.
Gardasil 9 Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Gardasil 9:
- Pain, swelling, and redness at injection site
- Headache
- Fever
Gardasil 9 Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Gardasil 9. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Gardasil 9
The following medications may interact with Gardasil 9:
- Use with Systemic Immunosuppressive Medications: Immunosuppressive therapies, including irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs, and corticosteroids (used in greater than physiologic doses), may reduce the immune responses to vaccines
Who makes Gardasil 9?
Merck & Co., Inc.
Is Gardasil 9 safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Gardasil 9 can harm your unborn baby. Gardasil 9 should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit to you is worth the possible risk to your baby.
