What is Prevnar used for?
- Prevnar is used to prevent infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Before taking Prevnar, tell your doctor:
- If your child has an allergy to any part of Prevnar.
- If your child is allergic to Prevnar; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If your child has low platelet levels.
- If your child has bleeding problems.
- If your child has an infection or an illness with a fever.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Do not give Prevnar to your child if she is pregnant.
- Be sure your child does not breast-feed a baby while taking Prevnar.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child's drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for your child to take Prevnar with all of his/her drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Prevnar?
- Tell all of your child's health care providers that your child is taking Prevnar. This includes your child's doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- This medicine may not protect all people who use it. Talk with the doctor.
- If your child was born premature, talk with the doctor. Trouble breathing has happened in these children after getting some vaccines.
- Other drugs may be given before Prevnar to help avoid side effects.
- This medicine is not approved for use in children older than 10 years of age or in adults. Talk with the doctor.
How is Prevnar best taken?
Give Prevnar as ordered by your child's doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into the muscle.
- Your child's doctor will give Prevnar.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your child's doctor to find out what to do.
What are the side effects of Prevnar that I need to call my doctor about immediately?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child's doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Shortness of breath.
What are some other side effects of Prevnar?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child's doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Mild fever.
- Feeling sleepy.
- Not hungry.
- Throwing up.
- Diarrhea.
- Restlessness.
- Feeling irritable.
- Crying that is not normal.
- Trouble moving where the shot was given.
- Pain where the shot was given.
- Redness or swelling where the shot is given.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child's doctor. Call your child's doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If overdose is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Prevnar?
- If you need to store Prevnar at home, talk with your child's doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer information use and disclaimer
- If your child's symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child's doctor.
- Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Prevnar, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Prevnar or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Prevnar. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
