GARDASIL, Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant, is a non-infectious recombinant quadrivalent vaccine prepared from the purified virus-like particles (VLPs) of the major capsid (L1) protein of HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. The L1 proteins are produced by separate fermentations in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae and self-assembled into VLPs. The fermentation process involves growth of S. cerevisiae on chemically-defined fermentation media which include vitamins, amino acids, mineral salts, and carbohydrates. The VLPs are released from the yeast cells by cell disruption and purified by a series of chemical and physical methods. The purified VLPs are adsorbed on preformed aluminum-containing adjuvant (Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate). The quadrivalent HPV VLP vaccine is a sterile liquid suspension that is prepared by combining the adsorbed VLPs of each HPV type and additional amounts of the aluminum-containing adjuvant and the final purification buffer.

GARDASIL is a sterile suspension for intramuscular administration. Each 0.5-mL dose contains approximately 20 mcg of HPV 6 L1 protein, 40 mcg of HPV 11 L1 protein, 40 mcg of HPV 16 L1 protein, and 20 mcg of HPV 18 L1 protein.

Each 0.5-mL dose of the vaccine contains approximately 225 mcg of aluminum (as Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate adjuvant), 9.56 mg of sodium chloride, 0.78 mg of L-histidine, 50 mcg of polysorbate 80, 35 mcg of sodium borate, < 7 mcg yeast protein/dose, and water for injection. The product does not contain a preservative or antibiotics.

After thorough agitation, GARDASIL is a white, cloudy liquid.

Last updated on RxList: 9/28/2009

GARDASIL® is a vaccine indicated in girls and women 9 through 26 years of age for the prevention of the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types included in the vaccine:

• Cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer caused by HPV types 16 and 18
• Genital warts (condyloma acuminata) caused by HPV types 6 and 11
• And the following precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18:
• Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2/3 and Cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)
• Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1
• Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) grade 2 and grade 3
• Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) grade 2 and grade 3

Limitations of GARDASIL Use and Effectiveness

The health care provider should inform the patient, parent, or guardian that vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Women who receive GARDASIL should continue to undergo cervical cancer screening per standard of care. [See Patient Counseling Information.]

GARDASIL has not been demonstrated to provide protection against disease from vaccine and non-vaccine HPV types to which a woman has previously been exposed through sexual activity. [See Clinical Studies.]

GARDASIL is not intended to be used for treatment of active genital warts; cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers; CIN; VIN; or VaIN.

GARDASIL has not been demonstrated to protect against diseases due to HPV types not contained in the vaccine. [See Clinical Studies.]

Not all vulvar and vaginal cancers are caused by HPV, and GARDASIL protects only against those vulvar and vaginal cancers caused by HPV 16 and 18.

GARDASIL does not protect against genital diseases not caused by HPV.

Vaccination with GARDASIL may not result in protection in all vaccine recipients.

Dosage

GARDASIL should be administered intramuscularly as a 0.5-mL dose at the following schedule: 0, 2 months, 6 months. [See Clinical Studies.]

Method of Administration

Shake well before use. Thorough agitation immediately before administration is necessary to maintain suspension of the vaccine. GARDASIL should not be diluted or mixed with other vaccines. After thorough agitation, GARDASIL is a white, cloudy liquid. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use the product if particulates are present or if it appears discolored.

GARDASIL should be administered intramuscularly in the deltoid region of the upper arm or in the higher anterolateral area of the thigh.

Do not administer GARDASIL intravenously, intradermally, or subcutaneously.

Syncope has been reported following vaccination with GARDASIL and may result in falling with injury; observation for 15 minutes after administration is recommended. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.]

Single-Dose Vial Use

Withdraw the 0.5-mL dose of vaccine from the single-dose vial using a sterile needle and syringe and use promptly.

Prefilled Syringe Use With and Without Needle Guard (Safety)

Device Prefilled Syringe With Needle Guard (Safety) Device

Instructions for using the prefilled single-dose syringes preassembled with needle guard (safety) device

NOTE: Please use the enclosed needle for administration. If a different needle is chosen, it should fit securely on the syringe and be no longer than 1 inch to ensure proper functioning of the needle guard device. Two detachable labels are provided which can be removed after the needle is guarded.

At any of the following steps, avoid contact with the Trigger Fingers to keep from activating the safety device prematurely.

Remove Syringe Tip Cap and Needle Cap. Attach Luer Needle by pressing both Anti-Rotation Tabs to secure syringe and by twisting the Luer Needle in a clockwise direction until secured to the syringe. Remove Needle Sheath. Administer injection per standard protocol as stated above under DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Depress the Plunger while grasping the Finger Flange until the entire dose has been given. The Needle Guard Device will NOT activate to cover and protect the needle unless the ENTIRE dose has been given. While the Plunger is still depressed, remove needle from the vaccine recipient. Slowly release the Plunger and allow syringe to move up until the entire needle is guarded. For documentation of vaccination, remove detachable labels by pulling slowly on them. Dispose in approved sharps container.

Prefilled Syringe Without Needle Guard (Safety) Device

This package does not contain a needle guard (safety device) or a needle. Shake well before use. Attach the needle by twisting in a clockwise direction until the needle fits securely on the syringe. Administer the entire dose as per standard protocol.

Dosage Forms And Strengths

GARDASIL is a suspension for intramuscular administration available in 0.5-mL single dose vials and prefilled syringes. See DESCRIPTION for the complete listing of ingredients.

Storage And Handling

All presentations for GARDASIL contain a suspension of 120 mcg L1 protein from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in a 0.5 mL dose. GARDASIL is supplied in vials and syringes.

Carton of one 0.5-mL single-dose vial, NDC 0006-4045-00.
Carton of ten 0.5-mL single-dose vials, NDC 0006-4045-41.

Carton of six 0.5-mL single-dose prefilled Luer Lock syringes, preassembled with UltraSafe Passive®² delivery system. One-inch, 25-gauge needles are provided separately in the package. NDC 0006-4109-06.
Carton of six 0.5-mL single-dose prefilled Luer Lock syringes with tip caps. NDC 0006-4109-09.

Store refrigerated at 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.

GARDASIL should be administered as soon as possible after being removed from refrigeration.

GARDASIL can be out of refrigeration (at temperatures at or below 25°C/77°F), for a total time of not more than 72 hours.

Manufactured and Distributed by: MERCK & CO., INC., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA.

Last updated on RxList: 9/28/2009

Overall Summary of Adverse Reactions

Headache, fever, nausea, and dizziness; and local injection site reactions (pain, swelling, erythema, pruritus, and bruising) occurred after administration with GARDASIL.

Syncope, sometimes associated with tonic-clonic movements and other seizure-like activity, has been reported following vaccination with GARDASIL and may result in falling with injury; observation for 15 minutes after administration is recommended. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.]

Anaphylaxis has been reported following vaccination with GARDASIL.

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a vaccine cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another vaccine and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Studies in Girls and Women 9 Through 26 Years of Age

In 5 clinical trials (3 Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate [AAHS]-controlled, 1 saline placebo-controlled, and 1 uncontrolled), 8878 subjects were administered GARDASIL or AAHS control or saline placebo on the day of enrollment, and approximately 2 and 6 months thereafter, and safety was evaluated using vaccination report cards (VRC)-aided surveillance for 14 days after each injection of GARDASIL or AAHS control or saline placebo in these subjects. The subjects who were monitored using VRC-aided surveillance included 5088 girls and women 9 through 26 years of age at enrollment who received GARDASIL and 3790 girls and women who received AAHS control or saline placebo. Few subjects (0.1%) discontinued due to adverse reactions. The race distribution of the study subjects was as follows: 62.3% White; 17.6% Hispanic (Black and White); 6.8% Asian; 6.7% Other; 6.4% Black; and 0.3% American Indian.

Common Injection Site Adverse Reactions in Girls and Women 9 Through 26 Years of Age

The injection site adverse reactions that were observed among recipients of GARDASIL at a frequency of at least 1.0% and also at a greater frequency than that observed among AAHS control or saline placebo recipients are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 : Injection-Site Adverse Reactions*

Adverse Reaction (1 to 5 Days Post vaccination)	GARDASIL (N = 5088) %	AAHS Control** (N = 3470) %	Saline Placebo (N = 320) %
Injection Site
Pain	83.9	75.4	48.6
Swelling	25.4	15.8	7.3
Erythema	24.7	18.4	12.1
Pruritus	3.2	2.8	0.6
Bruising	2.8	3.2	1.6
*The injection-site adverse reactions that were observed among recipients of GARDASIL were at a frequency of at least 1.0% and also at a greater frequency than that observed among AAHS control or saline placebo recipients. **AAHS Control = Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate

Evaluation of Injection-Site Adverse Reactions by Dose in Girls and Women 9 Through 26 Years of Age

An analysis of injection-site adverse reactions in girls and women by dose is shown in Table 2. Overall, 94.3% of girls and women who received GARDASIL judged their injection-site adverse reaction to be mild or moderate in intensity.

Table 2 : Postdose Evaluation of Injection-Site Adverse Reactions (1 to 5 Days Postvaccination)

Adverse Reaction	GARDASIL (% occurrence)			AAHS Control* (% occurrence)			Saline Placebo (% occurrence)
	Post-dose 1 N** =5011	Post-dose 2 N = 4924	Post-dose 3 N = 4818	Post-dose 1 N =3410	Post-dose 2 N = 3351	Post-dose 3 N = 3295	Post-dose 1 N = 315	Post-dose 2 N = 301	Post-dose 3 N = 300
Pain	63.4	60.7	62.7	57.0	47.8	49.6	33.7	20.3	27.3
Mild/Moderate	62.5	59.7	61.2	56.6	47.3	48.9	33.3	20.3	27.0
Severe	0.9	1.0	1.5	0.4	0.5	0.6	0.3	0.0	0.3
Swelling***	10.2	12.8	15.1	8.2	7.5	7.6	4.4	3.0	3.3
Mild/Moderate	9.6	11.9	14.2	8.1	7.2	7.3	4.4	3.0	3.3
Severe	0.6	0.8	0.9	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0
Erythema***	9.2	12.1	14.7	9.8	8.4	8.9	7.3	5.3	5.7
Mild/Moderate	9.0	11.7	14.3	9.5	8.4	8.8	7.3	5.3	5.7
Severe	0.2	0.3	0.4	0.3	0.1	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0
*AAHS Control = Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate **N = Number of subjects with follow up ***Intensity of swelling and erythema was measured by size (inches): Mild = 0 to ≤ 1; Moderate = > 1 to ≤ 2; Severe = > 2.

Common Systemic Adverse Reactions in Girls and Women 9 Through 26 Years of Age

Headache was the most commonly reported systemic adverse reaction in both treatment groups (GARDASIL = 28.2% and AAHS control or saline placebo = 28.4%). Fever was the next most commonly reported systemic adverse reaction in both treatment groups (GARDASIL = 13.0% and AAHS control or saline placebo = 11.2%).

Adverse reactions that were observed among recipients of GARDASIL, at a frequency of greater than or equal to 1.0% where the incidence in the GARDASIL group was greater than or equal to the incidence in the AAHS control or saline placebo group, are shown in Table 3.

Table 3 : Common Systemic Adverse Reactions (GARDASIL Control)*

Adverse Reactions(1 to 15 Days Postvaccination)	GARDASIL (N = 5088) %	AAHS control** or Saline Placebo (N = 3790)%
Pyrexia	13.0	11.2
Nausea	6.7	6.5
Dizziness	4.0	3.7
Diarrhea	3.6	3.5
Vomiting	2.4	1.9
Cough	2.0	1.5
Toothache	1.5	1.4
Upper respiratory tract infection	1.5	1.5
Malaise	1.4	1.2
Arthralgia	1.2	0.9
Insomnia	1.2	0.9
Nasal congestion	1.1	0.9
*The adverse reactions in this table are those that were observed among recipients of GARDASIL at a frequency of at least 1.0% and greater than or equal to those observed among AAHS control or saline placebo recipients. **AAHS Control = Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate

Evaluation of Fever by Dose in Girls and Women 9 Through 26 Years of Age

An analysis of fever in girls and women by dose is shown in Table 4.

Table 4 : Postdose Evaluation of Fever (1 to 5 Days Postvaccination)

Temperature (° F)	GARDASIL (% occurrence)			AAHS Control* or Saline Placebo (% occurrence)
	Postdose 1 N**= 4945	Postdose 2 N = 4804	Postdose 3 N= 4671	Postdose 1 N = 3681	Postdose 2 N = 3564	Postdose 3 N = 3467
≥ 100 to < 102	3.7	4.1	4.4	3.1	3.8	3.6
≥ 102	0.3	0.5	0.5	0.2	0.4	0.5
*AAHS Control = Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate **N = Number of subjects with follow up

Serious Adverse Reactions in the Entire Study Population

A total of 237 subjects out of 25,274 total subjects (9- through 45-year-old girls and women; and 9- through 15-year-old boys) who received both GARDASIL (N = 13,686) and AAHS control (N = 11,004) or saline placebo (N = 584) reported a serious systemic adverse reaction following any vaccination visit during the clinical trials for GARDASIL.

Out of the entire study population (25,274 subjects), only 0.05% of the reported serious systemic adverse reactions were judged to be vaccine related by the study investigator. The most frequently reported serious systemic adverse reactions for GARDASIL compared to AAHS control or saline placebo and regardless of causality were:

Headache [0.02% GARDASIL (3 cases) vs. 0.02% AAHS Control (2 cases)],

Gastroenteritis [0.02% GARDASIL (3 cases) vs. 0.02% AAHS Control (2 cases)],

Appendicitis [0.03% GARDASIL (4 cases) vs. 0.01% AAHS Control (1 case)],

Pelvic inflammatory disease [0.02% GARDASIL (3 cases) vs. 0.04% AAHS Control (4 cases)],

Urinary tract infection [0.02% GARDASIL (2 cases) vs. 0.02% AAHS Control (2 cases)],

Pneumonia [0.02% GARDASIL (2 cases) vs. 0.02% AAHS Control (2 cases)],

Pyelonephritis [0.02% GARDASIL (2 cases) vs. 0.03% AAHS Control (3 cases)],

Pulmonary embolism [0.02% GARDASIL (2 cases) vs. 0.02% AAHS Control (2 cases)].

One case (0.007% GARDASIL: 0.0% AAHS Control or Saline Placebo) of bronchospasm; and 2 cases (0.02% GARDASIL: 0.0% AAHS Control or Saline Placebo) of asthma were reported as serious systemic adverse reactions that occurred following any vaccination visit.

In addition, there was 1 subject in the clinical trials, in the group that received GARDASIL, who reported two injection-site serious adverse reactions (injection-site pain and injection-site joint movement impairment).

Deaths in the Entire Study Population

Across the clinical studies, 24 deaths were reported in 25,274 (GARDASIL N = 13,686; AAHS Control N = 11,004, saline placebo N = 584) subjects (9- through 45-year-old girls and women; and 9- through 15-year-old boys). The events reported were consistent with events expected in healthy adolescent and adult populations. The most common cause of death was motor vehicle accident (4 subjects who received GARDASIL and 3 AAHS Control subjects), followed by overdose/suicide (2 subjects who received GARDASIL and 2 subjects who received AAHS Control), and pulmonary embolus/deep vein thrombosis (1 subject who received GARDASIL and 1 AAHS Control subject). In addition, there were 2 cases of sepsis, 1 case of pancreatic cancer, 1 case of arrhythmia, 1 case of pulmonary tuberculosis, 1 case of hyperthyroidism, 1 case of post-operative pulmonary embolism and acute renal failure, and 1 case of systemic lupus erythematosus in the group that received GARDASIL; 1 case of asphyxia, and 1 case of acute lymphocytic leukemia in the AAHS Control; and 1 case of medulloblastoma in the saline placebo group.

Systemic Autoimmune Disorders in Girls and Women 9 Through 26 Years of Age

In the clinical studies, 9- through 26-year-old girls and women were evaluated for new medical conditions that occurred over the course of follow-up. New medical conditions potentially indicative of a systemic autoimmune disorder seen in the group that received GARDASIL or AAHS control or saline placebo are shown in Table 5. This population includes all subjects who received at least one dose of GARDASIL or AAHS control or saline placebo, and had safety data available.

Table 5 : Summary of Girls and Women 9 Through 26 Years of Age Who Reported an Incident Condition Potentially Indicative of Systemic Autoimmune Disorder After Enrollment in Clinical Trials of GARDASIL Regardless of Causality

Conditions	GARDASIL (N = 10,706) n (%)	AAHS Control* or Saline Placebo (N = 9412) n (%)
Arthralgia/Arthritis/Arthropathy**	120 (1.1)	98 (1.0)
Autoimmune Thyroiditis	4 (0.0)	1 (0.0)
Coeliac Disease	10 (0.1)	6 (0.1)
Diabetes Mellitus Insulin-dependent	2 (0.0)	2 (0.0)
Erythema Nodosum	2 (0.0)	4 (0.0)
Hyperthyroidism***	27 (0.3)	21 (0.2)
Hypothyroidism†	35 (0.3)	38 (0.4)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease‡	7 (0.1)	10 (0.1)
Multiple Sclerosis	2 (0.0)	4 (0.0)
Nephritis¶	2 (0.0)	5 (0.1)
Optic Neuritis	2 (0.0)	0 (0.0)
Pigmentation Disorder§	4 (0.0)	3 (0.0)
Psoriasis#	13 (0.1)	15 (0.2)
Raynaud's Phenomenon	3 (0.0)	4 (0.0)
Rheumatoid Arthritis††	6 (0.1)	2 (0.0)
Scleroderma/Morphea	2 (0.0)	1 (0.0)
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome	1 (0.0)	0 (0.0)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus	1 (0.0)	3 (0.0)
Uveitis	3 (0.0)	1 (0.0)
All Conditions	245 (2.3)	218 (2.3)
*AAHS Control = Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate **Arthralgia/Arthritis/Arthropathy includes the following terms: Arthralgia, Arthritis, Arthritis reactive, and Arthropathy ***Hyperthyroidism includes the following terms: Basedow's disease, Goitre, Toxic nodular goitre, and Hyperthyroidism †Hypothyroidism includes the following terms: Hypothyroidism and thyroiditis ‡Inflammatory bowel disease includes the following terms: Colitis ulcerative, Crohn's disease, and Inflammatory bowel disease ¶Nephritis includes the following terms: Nephritis, Glomerulonephritis minimal lesion, Glomerulonephritis proliferative §Pigmentation disorder includes the following terms: Pigmentation disorder, Skin depigmentation, and Vitiligo #Psoriasis includes the following terms: Psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis, and Psoriatic arthropathy ††Rheumatoid arthritis includes juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. One subject counted in the rheumatoid arthritis group reported rheumatoid arthritis as an adverse experience at Day 130. N = Number of subjects enrolled n = Number of subjects with specific new Medical Conditions NOTE: Although a subject may have had two or more new Medical Conditions, the subject is counted only once within a category. The same subject may appear in different categories.

Safety in Concomitant Use with RECOMBIVAX HB in Girls and Women 9 Through 26 Years of Age

The safety of GARDASIL when administered concomitantly with RECOMBIVAX HB hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant) was evaluated in an AAHS-controlled study of 1871 subjects with a mean age of 20.4 years. The race distribution of the study subjects was as follows: 61.6% White; 23.8% Other; 11.9% Black; 1.6% Hispanic (Black and White); 0.8% Asian; and 0.3% American Indian. The rates of systemic and injection-site adverse reactions were similar among subjects who received concomitant vaccination as compared with those who received GARDASIL or RECOMBIVAX HB hepatitis B vaccine.

Post-Marketing Experience

The following adverse events have been spontaneously reported during post-approval use of GARDASIL. Because these events were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to vaccine exposure.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, lymphadenopathy.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: pulmonary embolus.

Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, pancreatitis, vomiting.

General disorders and administration site conditions: Asthenia, chills, death, fatigue, malaise.

Immune system disorders: Autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, bronchospasm, and urticaria.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Arthralgia, myalgia.

Nervous system disorders: Dizziness, Guillain-Barré syndrome, headache, motor neuron disease, paralysis, seizures, syncope (including syncope associated with tonic-clonic movements and other seizure-like activity) sometimes resulting in falling with injury, transverse myelitis.

Vascular Disorders: Deep venous thrombosis.

Use with RECOMBIVAX HB

Results from clinical studies indicate that GARDASIL may be administered concomitantly (at a separate injection site) with RECOMBIVAX HB hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant) [See Clinical Studies]. Co-administration of GARDASIL with other vaccines has not been studied.

Use with Hormonal Contraceptives

In clinical studies, 13,293 subjects (GARDASIL N = 6644; AAHS control or saline placebo N = 6649) who had post-Month 7 follow-up used hormonal contraceptives for a total of 17,597 person-years (65.1% of the total follow-up time in the studies). Use of hormonal contraceptives or lack of use of hormonal contraceptives among study participants did not alter immune response in the per protocol efficacy (PPE) population.

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 [see Use in Specific Populations].

Last updated on RxList: 9/28/2009

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Syncope

Because vaccinees may develop syncope, sometimes resulting in falling with injury, observation for 15 minutes after administration is recommended. Syncope, sometimes associated with tonic-clonic movements and other seizure-like activity, has been reported following vaccination with GARDASIL. When syncope is associated with tonic-clonic movements, the activity is usually transient and typically responds to restoring cerebral perfusion by maintaining a supine or Trendelenburg position.

Managing Allergic Reactions

Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be readily available in case of anaphylactic reactions following the administration of GARDASIL.

Patient Counseling Information

[See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.]

Information for the Patient, Parent, or Guardian

Inform the patient, parent, or guardian:

• Vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Women who receive GARDASIL should continue to undergo cervical cancer screening per standard of care.
• GARDASIL has not been demonstrated to provide protection against disease from vaccine and non-vaccine HPV types to which a woman has previously been exposed through sexual activity.
• Since syncope has been reported following vaccination sometimes resulting in falling with injury, observation for 15 minutes after administration is recommended.
• Vaccine information is required to be given with each vaccination to the patient, parent, or guardian.
• Information regarding benefits and risks associated with vaccination.
• GARDASIL is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
• Importance of completing the immunization series unless contraindicated.
• Report any adverse reactions to their health care provider.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

GARDASIL has not been evaluated for the potential to cause carcinogenicity or genotoxicity.

GARDASIL administered to female rats at a dose of 120 mcg total protein, which corresponds to approximately 300-fold excess relative to the projected human dose, had no effects on mating performance, fertility, or embryonic/fetal survival.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category B

Reproduction studies have been performed in female rats at doses up to 300 times the human dose (on a mg/kg basis) and have revealed no evidence of impaired female fertility or harm to the fetus due to GARDASIL. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human responses, GARDASIL should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

An evaluation of the effect of GARDASIL on embryo-fetal, pre- and postweaning development was conducted using rats. One group of rats was administered GARDASIL twice prior to gestation, during the period of organogenesis (gestation Day 6) and on lactation Day 7. A second group of pregnant rats was administered GARDASIL during the period of organogenesis (gestation Day 6) and on lactation Day 7 only. GARDASIL was administered at 0.5 mL/rat/occasion (approximately 300-fold excess relative to the projected human dose on a mg/kg basis) by intramuscular injection. No adverse effects on mating, fertility, pregnancy, parturition, lactation, embryo-fetal or pre- and postweaning development were observed. There were no vaccine-related fetal malformations or other evidence of teratogenesis noted in this study. In addition, there were no treatment-related effects on developmental signs, behavior, reproductive performance, or fertility of the offspring. The effect of GARDASIL on male fertility has not been studied.

In clinical studies, women underwent urine pregnancy testing prior to administration of each dose of GARDASIL. Women who were found to be pregnant before completion of a 3-dose regimen of GARDASIL were instructed to defer completion of their vaccination regimen until resolution of the pregnancy.

GARDASIL is not indicated for women 27 years of age or older. However, safety data in women 16 through 45 years of age was collected, and 3620 women (GARDASIL N = 1796 vs. AAHS control or saline placebo N = 1824) reported at least 1 pregnancy each.

The overall proportions of pregnancies that resulted in an adverse outcome, defined as the combined numbers of spontaneous abortion, late fetal death, and congenital anomaly cases out of the total number of pregnancy outcomes for which an outcome was known (and excluding elective terminations), were 23.3% (423/1812) in subjects who received GARDASIL and 24.1% (438/1820) in subjects who received AAHS control or saline placebo.

Overall, 54 and 63 subjects in the group that received GARDASIL or AAHS control or saline placebo, respectively (3.0% and 3.5% of all subjects who reported a pregnancy in the respective vaccination groups), experienced a serious adverse reaction during pregnancy. The most common events reported were conditions that can result in Caesarean section (e.g., failure of labor, malpresentation, cephalopelvic disproportion), premature onset of labor (e.g., threatened abortions, premature rupture of membranes), and pregnancy-related medical problems (e.g., pre-eclampsia, hyperemesis). The proportions of pregnant subjects who experienced such events were comparable between the groups receiving GARDASIL and AAHS control or saline placebo.

There were 40 cases of congenital anomaly in pregnancies that occurred in subjects who received GARDASIL and 30 cases of congenital anomaly in pregnancies that occurred in subjects who received AAHS control or saline placebo.

Further sub-analyses were conducted to evaluate pregnancies with estimated onset within 30 days or more than 30 days from administration of a dose of GARDASIL or AAHS control or saline placebo. For pregnancies with estimated onset within 30 days of vaccination, 5 cases of congenital anomaly were observed in the group that received GARDASIL compared to 1 case of congenital anomaly in the group that received AAHS control or saline placebo. The congenital anomalies seen in pregnancies with estimated onset within 30 days of vaccination included pyloric stenosis, congenital megacolon, congenital hydronephrosis, hip dysplasia, and club foot. Conversely, in pregnancies with onset more than 30 days following vaccination, 35 cases of congenital anomaly were observed in the group that received GARDASIL compared with 29 cases of congenital anomaly in the group that received AAHS control or saline placebo.

Pregnancy Registry for GARDASIL

Merck & Co., Inc. maintains a Pregnancy Registry to monitor fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to GARDASIL. Patients and health care providers are encouraged to report any exposure to GARDASIL during pregnancy by calling (800) 986-8999.

Nursing Mothers

Women 16 Through 26 Years of Age

It is not known whether GARDASIL is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when GARDASIL is administered to a nursing woman.

A total of 995 nursing mothers (vaccine N = 500, AAHS control N = 495) were given GARDASIL or AAHS control during the vaccination period of the clinical trials.

Overall, 21 and 10 infants of subjects who received GARDASIL or AAHS control, respectively (representing 4.2% and 2.0% of the total number of subjects who were breast-feeding during the period in which they received GARDASIL or AAHS control, respectively), experienced a serious adverse reaction.

In a post-hoc analysis of clinical studies, a higher number of breast-feeding infants (n = 6) whose mothers received GARDASIL had acute respiratory illnesses within 30 days post-vaccination of the mother as compared to infants (n = 2) whose mothers received AAHS control. In these studies, the rates of other adverse reactions in the mother and the nursing infant were comparable between vaccination groups.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients below 9 years of age nor in pediatric males of any age.

Clinical studies of pediatric males 9 through 15 years of age were conducted and contributed safety data to the serious adverse reactions and deaths. [See ADVERSE REACTIONS .]

Geriatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of GARDASIL have not been evaluated in subjects aged 65 years and over.

Immunocompromised Individuals

The immunologic response to GARDASIL may be diminished in immunocompromised individuals [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Last updated on RxList: 9/28/2009

There have been reports of administration of higher than recommended doses of GARDASIL.  

In general, the adverse event profile reported with overdose was comparable to recommended single doses of GARDASIL. 

Hypersensitivity, including severe allergic reactions to yeast (a vaccine component), or after a previous dose of GARDASIL. [See DESCRIPTION.]

Last updated on RxList: 9/28/2009

Mechanism of Action

HPV only infects human beings. Animal studies with analogous animal papillomaviruses suggest that the efficacy of L1 VLP vaccines may involve the development of humoral immune responses. Human beings develop a humoral immune response to the vaccine, although the exact mechanism of protection is unknown.

Clinical Studies

CIN 2/3 and AIS are the immediate and necessary precursors of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix, respectively. Their detection and removal has been shown to prevent cancer; thus, they serve as surrogate markers for prevention of cervical cancer. In the clinical studies, cases of CIN 2/3 and AIS were the efficacy endpoints to assess prevention of cervical cancer. In addition, cases of vulvar and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN 2/3 and VaIN 2/3) were the efficacy endpoints to assess prevention of HPV-related vulvar and vaginal cancers, and observations of external genital lesions were the efficacy endpoints for the prevention of genital warts.

Efficacy was assessed in 4 AAHS-controlled, double-blind, randomized Phase II and III clinical studies. The first Phase II study evaluated the HPV 16 component of GARDASIL (Protocol 005 or Study 1, N = 2391) and the second evaluated all components of GARDASIL (Protocol 007 or Study 2, N = 551). The Phase III studies evaluated GARDASIL in 5442 (Study 3 or Protocol 013 [FUTURE I]) and 12,157 (Study 4 or Protocol 015 [FUTURE II]) subjects. Together, these four studies evaluated 20,541 women 16 through 26 years of age at enrollment with a mean age of 20.0 years. The race distribution of the study subjects was as follows: 70.4% White; 12.2% Hispanic (Black and White); 8.8% Other; 4.6% Black; 3.8% Asian; and 0.2% American Indian. The median duration of follow-up was 4.0, 3.0, 3.0, and 3.0 years for Study 1, Study 2, Study 3, and Study 4, respectively. Subjects received vaccine or AAHS control on the day of enrollment and 2 and 6 months thereafter. Efficacy was analyzed for each study individually and for all studies combined according to a prospective clinical plan.

Overall, 73% of subjects were naïve (i.e., PCR [Polymerase Chain Reaction] negative and seronegative for all 4 vaccine HPV types) to all 4 vaccine HPV types at enrollment.

A total of 27% of subjects had evidence of prior exposure to or ongoing infection with at least 1 of the 4 vaccine HPV types. Among these subjects, 74% had evidence of prior exposure to or ongoing infection with only 1 of the 4 vaccine HPV types and were naïve (PCR negative and seronegative) to the remaining 3 types.

In subjects who were naïve (PCR negative and seronegative) to all 4 vaccine HPV types, CIN, genital warts, VIN, and VaIN caused by any of the 4 vaccine HPV types were counted as endpoints.

Among subjects who were positive (PCR positive and/or seropositive) for a vaccine HPV type at Day 1, endpoints related to that type were not included in the analyses of prophylactic efficacy. Endpoints related to the remaining types for which the subject was naïve (PCR negative and seronegative) were counted.

For example, in subjects who were HPV 18 positive (PCR positive and/or seropositive) at Day 1, lesions caused by HPV 18 were not counted in the prophylactic efficacy evaluations. Lesions caused by HPV 6, 11, and 16 were included in the prophylactic efficacy evaluations. The same approach was used for the other types.

Prophylactic Efficacy – HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in Women 16 Through 26 Years of Age

GARDASIL was administered without prescreening for presence of HPV infection and the efficacy trials allowed enrollment of subjects regardless of baseline HPV status (i.e., PCR status or serostatus). Subjects with current or prior HPV infection with an HPV type contained in the vaccine were not eligible for prophylactic efficacy evaluations for that type.

The primary analyses of efficacy with respect to HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 were conducted in the per-protocol efficacy (PPE) population, consisting of individuals who received all 3 vaccinations within 1 year of enrollment, did not have major deviations from the study protocol, and were naïve (PCR negative in cervicovaginal specimens and seronegative) to the relevant HPV type(s) (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) prior to dose 1 and through 1 month Postdose 3 (Month 7). Efficacy was measured starting after the Month 7 visit.

GARDASIL was efficacious in reducing the incidence of CIN (any grade including CIN 2/3); AIS; genital warts; VIN (any grade); and VaIN (any grade) related to vaccine HPV types 6, 11, 16, or 18 in those who were PCR negative and seronegative at baseline (Table 6).

In addition, individuals who were already infected with 1 or more vaccine-related HPV types prior to vaccination were protected from precancerous cervical lesions and external genital lesions caused by the other vaccine HPV types.

Table 6: Analysis of Efficacy of GARDASIL in the PPE* Population** of 16- Through 26-Year-Old Women for Vaccine HPV Types

Population	GARDASIL		AAHS Control		% Efficacy (95% CI)
	N	Number of cases	N	Number of cases
HPV 16- or 18-related CIN 2/3or AIS
Study 1***	755	0	750	12	100.0 (65.1, 100.0)
Study 2	231	0	230	1	100.0 (-3744.9, 100.0)
Study 3	2201	0	2222	36	100.0 (89.2, 100.0)
Study 4	5306	2	5262	63	96.9 (88.2, 99.6)
Combined Protocols‡	8493	2	8464	112	98.2 (93.5, 99.8)
HPV 16-related CIN 2/3 or AIS
Combined Protocols‡	7402	2	7205	93	97.9 (92.3, 99.8)
HPV 18-related CIN 2/3 or AIS
Combined Protocols‡	7382	0	7316	29	100.0 (86.6, 100.0)
HPV 16- or 18-related VIN 2/3
Study 2	231	0	230	0	Not calculated
Study 3	2219	0	2239	6	100.0 (14.4, 100.0)
Study 4	5322	0	5275	4	100.0 (-50.3, 100.0)
Combined Protocols‡	7772	0	7744	10	100.0 (55.5, 100.0)
HPV 16- or 18-related VaIN 2/3
Study 2	231	0	230	0	Not calculated
Study 3	2219	0	2239	5	100.0 (-10.1, 100.0)
Study 4	5322	0	5275	4	100.0 (-50.3, 100.0)
Combined Protocols‡	7772	0	7744	9	100.0 (49.5, 100.0)
HPV 6-, 11-, 16-, or 18-related CIN (CIN 1, CIN 2/3) or AIS
Study 2	235	0	233	3	100.0 (-138.4, 100.0)
Study 3	2241	0	2258	77	100.0 (95.1, 100.0)
Study 4	5388	9	5374	145	93.8 (88.0, 97.2)
Combined Protocols‡	7864	9	7865	225	96.0 (92.3, 98.2)
HPV 6-, 11-, 16-, or 18-related Genital Warts
Study 2	235	0	233	3	100.0 (-139.5, 100.0)
Study 3	2261	0	2279	58	100.0 (93.5, 100.0)
Study 4	5404	2	5390	132	98.5 (94.5, 99.8)
Combined Protocols‡	7900	2	7902	193	99.0 (96.2, 99.9)
HPV 6- and 11-related Genital Warts
Combined Protocols‡	6932	2	6856	189	99.0 (96.2, 99.9)
*The PPE population consisted of individuals who received all 3 vaccinations within 1 year of enrollment, did not have major deviations from the study protocol, and were naïve (PCR negative and seronegative) to the relevant HPV type(s) (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) prior to dose 1 and through 1 month postdose 3 (month 7). **See Table 7 for analysis of vaccine impact in the general population ***Evaluated only the HPV 16 L1 VLP vaccine component of GARDASIL ‡Analyses of the combined trials were prospectively planned and included the use of similar study entry criteria N = Number of subjects with at least 1 follow-up visit after Month 7 CI = Confidence Interval Note 1: Point estimates and confidence intervals are adjusted for person-time of follow-up Note 2: The first analysis in the table (i.e., HPV 16- or 18-related CIN 2/3, AIS or worse) was the primary endpoint of the vaccine development plan. Note 3: Study 1 = Protocol 005; Study 2 = Protocol 007; Study 3 = Protocol 013; and Study 4 = Protocol 015 Note 4: Table 6 does not include cases due to non-vaccine HPV types AAHS Control = Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate

Prophylactic efficacy against overall cervical and genital disease related to HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 in an extension phase of Study 2, that included data through month 60, was noted to be 100% (95% CI: 12.3%, 100.0%) among subjects in the per protocol population naïve to the relevant HPV types.

GARDASIL was efficacious against HPV disease caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in women who were naïve for those specific HPV types at baseline.

Effectiveness of GARDASIL in Prevention of HPV Types 6-, 11-, 16-, or 18-Related Disease in Women 16 Through 26 Years of Age, Regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to Vaccine HPV Types

The clinical trials included women regardless of current or prior exposure to vaccine HPV types, and additional analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of GARDASIL with respect to HPV 6-, 11-, 16-, and 18-related cervical and genital disease in these women. Here, analyses included events arising among women regardless of baseline PCR status and serostatus, including HPV infections that were present at the start of vaccination as well as events that arose from infections that were acquired after the start of vaccination.

The impact of GARDASIL in women regardless of current or prior exposure to a vaccine HPV type is shown in Table 7. Impact was measured starting 1 month Postdose 1. Prophylactic efficacy denotes the vaccine's efficacy in women who are naïve (PCR negative and seronegative) to the relevant HPV types at vaccination onset. Vaccine impact in women who were positive for vaccine HPV infection, as well as vaccine impact among women regardless of baseline vaccine HPV PCR status and serostatus are also presented. The majority of CIN and genital warts, VIN, and VaIN related to a vaccine HPV type detected in the group that received GARDASIL occurred as a consequence of HPV infection with the relevant HPV type that was already present at Day 1.

There was no clear evidence of protection from disease caused by HPV types for which women were PCR positive regardless of serostatus at baseline.

Table 7 : Effectiveness of GARDASIL against HPV 6, 11, 16, or 18 Related Disease in Women 16 Through 26 Years of Age, Regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to Vaccine HPV Types

Endpoints	Analysis	GARDASIL or HPV 16 L1 VLP Vaccine		AAHS Control		% Reduction (95% CI)
		N	Cases	N	Cases
HPV 16- or 18- related CIN 2/3 or AIS	Prophylactic Efficacy*	9346	4	9407	155	97.4 (93.3, 99.3)
	HPV 16 and/or HPV 18 Positive at Day 1	2870	142	2898	148**	--
	Women regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to HPV 16 or 18***	9836	146	9904	303	51.8 (41.1, 60.7)†
HPV 16- or 18-related VIN 2/3 or VaIN 2/3	Prophylactic Efficacy*	8642	1	8673	34	97.0 (82.4, 99.9)
	HPV 16 and/or HPV 18 Positive at Day 1	1880	8	1876	4	--
	Women regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to HPV 16 or 18***	8955	9	8968	38	76.3 (50.0, 89.9)†
HPV 6-, 11-, 16-,18-related CIN (CIN 1, CIN 2/3) or AIS	Prophylactic Efficacy*	8630	16	8680	309	94.8 (91.5, 97.1)
	HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 16, and/or HPV 18 Positive at Day 1	2466	186‡	2437	213‡	--
	Women regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to Vaccine HPV Types***	8819	202	8854	522	61.5 (54.6, 67.4)†
HPV 6-, 11-, 16-, or 18-related Genital Warts	Prophylactic Efficacy*	8761	10	8792	252	96.0 (92.6, 98.1)
	HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 16, and/or HPV 18 Positive at Day 1	2501	51#	2475	55#	--
	Women regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to Vaccine HPV Types***	8955	61	8968	307	80.3 (73.9, 85.3)†
HPV 6- or 11-related Genital Warts	Prophylactic Efficacy*	7769	9	7792	246	96.4 (93.0, 98.4)
	HPV 6 and/or HPV 11 Positive at Day 1	1186	51	1176	54	--
	Women regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to Vaccine HPV Types***	8955	60	8968	300	80.1 (73.7, 85.2)†
*Includes all subjects who received at least 1 vaccination and who were naïve (PCR negative and seronegative) to HPV 6, 11, 16, and/or 18 at Day 1. Case counting started at 1 month postdose 1 **Out of the 148 AAHS control cases of 16/18 CIN 2/3, 2 subjects were missing serology or PCR results for Day 1 ***Includes all subjects who received at least 1 vaccination (regardless of baseline HPV status at Day 1). Case counting started at 1 month postdose 1 †Percent reduction includes the prophylactic efficacy of GARDASIL as well as the impact of GARDASIL on the course of infections present at the start of the vaccination ‡Includes 2 AAHS control subjects with missing serology/PCR data at Day 1 #Includes 1 subject with missing serology/PCR data at Day 1 CI = Confidence Interval N = Number of subjects who have at least one follow-up visit after Day 1 Note 1: The 16- and 18-related CIN 2/3 or AIS composite endpoint included data from studies 1, 2, 3, and 4. All other endpoints only included data from studies 2, 3, and 4. Note 2: Positive status at Day 1 denotes PCR positive and/or seropositive for the respective type at Day 1 Note 3: Table 7 does not include disease due to non-vaccine HPV types AAHS Control = Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate

Effectiveness of GARDASIL in Prevention of Any HPV Type Related Genital Disease in Women 16 Through 26 Years of Age, Regardless of Current or Prior Infection with Vaccine or Non-Vaccine HPV Types

The impact of GARDASIL against the overall burden of HPV-related cervical, vulvar, and vaginal disease (i.e., disease caused by any HPV type) results from a combination of prophylactic efficacy against vaccine HPV types, disease contribution from vaccine HPV types present at time of vaccination, and the disease contribution from HPV types not contained in the vaccine.

Additional efficacy analyses were conducted in 2 populations: (1) a generally HPV-naïve population (negative to 14 common HPV types and had a Pap test that was negative for SIL [Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion] at Day 1), approximating a population of sexually-naïve adolescents and young adult women and (2) the general study population of young adult women regardless of baseline HPV status, some of whom had HPV-related disease at vaccination onset.

Among generally HPV-naïve women and among all women in the study population (including women with HPV infection at vaccination onset), GARDASIL reduced the overall incidence of CIN 2/3 or AIS; of VIN 2/3 or VaIN 2/3; of CIN (any grade) or AIS; and of Genital Warts (Table 8). These reductions were primarily due to reductions in lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in women naïve (seronegative and PCR negative) for the specific relevant vaccine HPV type. Infected women may already have CIN 2/3 or AIS at vaccination onset and some will develop CIN 2/3 or AIS during follow-up, either related to a vaccine or non-vaccine HPV type present at the time of vaccination or related to a non-vaccine HPV type not present at the time of vaccination.

Table 8 : Effectiveness of GARDASIL in Prevention of Any HPV Type Related Genital Disease in Women 16 Through 26 Years of Age, Regardless of Current or Prior Infection with Vaccine or Non-Vaccine HPV Types

Endpoints Caused by Vaccine or Non-vaccine HPV Types	Analysis	GARDASIL		AAHS Control		% Reduction (95% CI)
		N	Cases	N	Cases
CIN 2/3 or AIS	Prophylactic Efficacy*	4616	77	4680	136	42.7 (23.7, 57.3)
	Women regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to Vaccine or Non-Vaccine HPV Types**	8559	421	8592	516	18.4 (7.0, 28.4)***
VIN 2/3 and VaIN 2/3	Prophylactic Efficacy*	4688	7	4735	31	77.1 (47.1, 91.5)
	Women regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to Vaccine or Non-Vaccine HPVTypes**	8688	30	8701	61	50.7 (22.5, 69.3)***
CIN (Any Grade) or AIS	Prophylactic Efficacy*	4616	272	4680	390	29.7 (17.7, 40.0)
	Women regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to Vaccine or Non-Vaccine HPV Types**	8559	967	8592	1189	19.1 (11.9, 25.8)***
Genital Warts	Prophylactic Efficacy*	4688	29	4735	169	82.8 (74.3, 88.8)
	Women regardless of Current or Prior Exposure to Vaccine or Non-Vaccine HPV Types**	8688	132	8701	350	62.5 (54.0, 69.5)***
*Includes all subjects who received at least 1 vaccination and who had a Pap test that was negative for SIL [Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion] at Day 1 and were naïve to 14 common HPV types at Day 1. Case counting started at 1 month postdose 1 **Includes all subjects who received at least 1 vaccination (regardless of baseline HPV status or Pap test result at Day 1). Case counting started at 1 month postdose 1 ***Percent reduction includes the prophylactic efficacy of GARDASIL as well as the impact of GARDASIL on the course of infections present at the start of the vaccination CI = Confidence Interval AAHS Control = Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate

The overall efficacy of GARDASIL will vary with the baseline prevalence of HPV infection and disease, the incidence of infections against which GARDASIL has shown protection, and those infections against which GARDASIL has not been shown to protect.

The efficacy of GARDASIL for HPV types not included in the vaccine (i.e., cross-protective efficacy) is a component of the overall impact of the vaccine on rates of CIN 2/3 or worse caused by HPV. Cross-protective efficacy was not demonstrated against disease caused by non-vaccine HPV types in the combined database of the Study 3 and Study 4 trials.

GARDASIL does not protect against genital disease not related to HPV. One subject who received GARDASIL in Study 3 developed an external genital well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma at month 24. No HPV DNA was detected in the lesion or in any other samples taken throughout the study.

In 18,150 subjects enrolled in Study 2, Study 3, and Study 4, GARDASIL reduced definitive cervical therapy procedures by 23.9% (95% CI: 15.2%, 31.7%).

Other Studies

Data are insufficient to establish effectiveness of GARDASIL in women 27 through 45 years of age.

Immunogenicity

Assays to Measure Immune Response

The minimum anti-HPV titer that confers protective efficacy has not been determined.

Because there were few disease cases in subjects naïve (PCR negative and seronegative) to vaccine HPV types at baseline in the group that received GARDASIL, it has not been possible to establish minimum anti-HPV 6, anti-HPV 11, anti-HPV 16, and anti-HPV 18 antibody levels that protect against clinical disease caused by HPV 6, 11, 16, and/or 18.

The immunogenicity of GARDASIL was assessed in 20,132 9- through 26-year-old girls and women (GARDASIL N = 10,723; AAHS control or saline placebo N = 9409).

Type-specific immunoassays with type-specific standards were used to assess immunogenicity to each vaccine HPV type. These assays measured antibodies against neutralizing epitopes for each HPV type. The scales for these assays are unique to each HPV type; thus, comparisons across types and to other assays are not appropriate.

Immune Response to GARDASIL

The primary immunogenicity analyses were conducted in a per-protocol immunogenicity (PPI) population. This population consisted of individuals who were seronegative and PCR negative to the relevant HPV type(s) at enrollment, remained HPV PCR negative to the relevant HPV type(s) through 1 month postdose 3 (month 7), received all 3 vaccinations, and did not deviate from the study protocol in ways that could interfere with the effects of the vaccine.

Immunogenicity was measured by (1) the percentage of subjects who were seropositive for antibodies against the relevant vaccine HPV type, and (2) the Geometric Mean Titer (GMT).

In clinical studies, 99.8%, 99.8%, 99.8%, and 99.5% of girls and women who received GARDASIL became anti-HPV 6, anti-HPV 11, anti-HPV 16, and anti-HPV 18 seropositive, respectively, by 1 month postdose 3 across all age groups tested. Anti-HPV 6, anti-HPV 11, anti-HPV 16, and anti-HPV 18 GMTs peaked at month 7. GMTs declined through month 24 and then stabilized through month 36 at levels above baseline (Table 9). The duration of immunity following a complete schedule of immunization with GARDASIL has not been established.

Table 9 : Summary of Anti-HPV cLIA Geometric Mean Titers in the PPI* Population

Study Time	GARDASIL N** = 276		AAHS Control N = 275
	n***	Geometric Mean Titer (95% CI)mMU/ mL†	n	Geometric Mean Titer (95% CI) mMU/mL
Anti-HPV 6
Month 07	208	582.2 (527.2, 642.8)	198	4.6 (4.3, 4.8)
Month 24	192	93.7 (82.2, 106.9)	188	4.6 (4.3, 5.0)
Month 36	183	93.8 (81.0, 108.6)	184	5.1 (4.7, 5.6)
Anti-HPV 11
Month 07	208	696.5 (617.8, 785.2)	198	4.1 (4.0, 4.2)
Month 24	190	97.1 (84.2, 112.0)	188	4.2 (4.0, 4.3)
Month 36	174	91.7 (78.3, 107.3)	180	4.4 (4.1, 4.7)
Anti-HPV 16
Month 07	193	3889.0 (3318.7, 4557.4)	185	6.5 (6.2, 6.9)
Month 24	174	393.0 (335.7, 460.1)	175	6.8 (6.3, 7.4)
Month 36	176	507.3 (434.6, 592.0)	170	7.7 (6.8, 8.8)
Anti-HPV 18
Month 07	219	801.2 (693.8, 925.4)	209	4.6 (4.3, 5.0)
Month 24	204	59.9 (49.7, 72.2)	199	4.6 (4.3, 5.0)
Month 36	196	59.7 (48.5, 73.5)	193	4.8 (4.4, 5.2)
*The PPI population consisted of individuals who received all 3 vaccinations within pre-defined day ranges, did not have major deviations from the study protocol, met predefined criteria for the interval between the month 6 and month 7 visit, and were naïve (PCR negative and seronegative) to the relevant HPV type(s) (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) prior to dose 1 and through 1 month postdose 3 (month 7). **Number of subjects randomized to the respective vaccination group who received at least 1 injection. ***Number of subjects in the per-protocol analysis with data at the specified study time point. †mMU = milli-Merck units. Note: These data are from Study 2. AAHS Control = Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate CI=Confidence Interval

Bridging the Efficacy of GARDASIL from Young Adult Women to Adolescent Girls

A clinical study compared anti-HPV 6, anti-HPV 11, anti-HPV 16, and anti-HPV 18 GMTs in 10- through 15-year-old girls with responses in 16- through 23-year-old young women. Among subjects who received GARDASIL, 99.1% to 100% became anti-HPV 6, anti-HPV 11, anti-HPV 16, and anti-HPV 18 seropositive by 1 month postdose 3.

Table 10 compares the 1 month postdose 3 anti-HPV 6, anti-HPV 11, anti-HPV 16, and anti-HPV 18 GMTs in 9- through 15-year-old girls with those in 16- through 26-year-old young women.

Table 10 : Immunogenicity Bridging Between 9- Through 15-Year-Old Female Adolescents and 16- Through 26-Year-Old Adult Women (Month 7 Anti-HPV GMTs)

Assay(cLIA)	9- Through 15-year-old Female Adolescents (Protocols 016 and 018) N*= 1121			16- Through 26-year-old Adult Women (Protocols 013 and 015) N = 4229
	n**	GMT***	(95% CI)	n	GMT	(95% CI)
Anti-HPV 6	915	928.7	(874.0, 986.8)	2631	542.6	(526.2, 559.6)
Anti-HPV 11	915	1303.0	(1223.1, 1388.0)	2655	761.5	(735.3, 788.6)
Anti-HPV 16	913	4909.2	(4547.6, 5299.5)	2570	2293.9	(2185.0, 2408.2)
Anti-HPV 18	920	1039.8	(964.9, 1120.4)	2796	461.6	(444.0, 480.0)
*Number of subjects randomized to the respective vaccination group who received at least 1 injection **Number of subjects contributing to the analysis *** GMT = Geometric mean titer in mMU/mL (mMU = milli-Merck units) CI = Confidence Interval

Anti-HPV responses 1 month postdose 3 among 9- through 15-year-old girls were non-inferior to anti-HPV responses in 16- through 26-year-old young women in the combined database of immunogenicity studies for GARDASIL.

On the basis of this immunogenicity bridging, the efficacy of GARDASIL in 9- through 15-year-old girls is inferred.

GMT Response to Variation in Dosing Regimen in 18- Through 26-Year-Old Women

Subjects evaluated in the PPE population of clinical studies received all 3 vaccinations within 1 year of enrollment. An analysis of immune response data suggests that flexibility of ±1 month for Dose 2 (i.e., Month 1 to Month 3 in the vaccination regimen) and flexibility of ±2 months for Dose 3 (i.e., Month 4 to Month 8 in the vaccination regimen) do not impact the immune responses to GARDASIL.

Duration of the Immune Response to GARDASIL

The duration of immunity following a complete schedule of immunization with GARDASIL has not been established. The peak anti-GMTs for HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 occurred at month 7. Anti-GMTs for HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 were similar between measurements at month 24 and month 60 in Study 2.

Studies with RECOMBIVAX HB

The safety and immunogenicity of co-administration of GARDASIL with RECOMBIVAX HB hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant) (same visit, injections at separate sites) were evaluated in a randomized study of 1871 women aged 16 through 24 years at enrollment. Immune response to both hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant) and GARDASIL was non-inferior whether they were administered at the same visit or at a different visit.

Last updated on RxList: 9/28/2009

GARDASIL
(pronounced "gard-Ah-sill")
Generic name: [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant]

Read this information with care before getting GARDASIL. You (the person getting GARDASIL) will need 3 doses of the vaccine. It is important to read this leaflet when you get each dose. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your health care provider about GARDASIL.

What is GARDASIL?

GARDASIL is a vaccine (injection/shot) that is used for girls and women 9 through 26 years of age to help protect against the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV):

• Cervical cancer
• Vulvar and vaginal cancers
• Genital warts
• Abnormal and precancerous cervical, vaginal, and vulvar lesions
  • The diseases listed above have many causes, and GARDASIL only protects against diseases caused by certain kinds of HPV (called Type 6, Type 11, Type 16, and Type 18). Most of the time, these 4 types of HPV are responsible for the diseases listed above.
  • GARDASIL cannot protect you from a disease that is caused by other types of HPV, other viruses, or bacteria.
  • GARDASIL does not treat HPV infection.
  • You cannot get HPV or any of the above diseases from GARDASIL.

What important information about GARDASIL should I know?

• You should continue to get routine cervical cancer screenings.
• GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.
• GARDASIL will not protect against HPV types that you already have.
• You may still benefit from GARDASIL if you do not already have all four vaccine types of HPV.

Who should not get GARDASIL?

You should not get GARDASIL if you have, or have had:

• an allergic reaction after getting a dose of GARDASIL.
• a severe allergic reaction to yeast, amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, polysorbate 80.

What should I tell my health care provider before getting GARDASIL?

Tell your health care provider if you:

• are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. GARDASIL is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
• have immune problems, like HIV infection, cancer, or you take medicines that affect your immune system.
• have a fever over 100°F (37.8°C).
• had an allergic reaction to another dose of GARDASIL.
• take any medicines, even those you can buy over the counter.

Your health care provider will help decide if you should get the vaccine.

How is GARDASIL given?

GARDASIL is a shot that is usually given in the arm muscle. You will need 3 shots given on the following schedule:

• Dose 1: at a date you and your health care provider choose.
• Dose 2: 2 months after Dose 1.
• Dose 3: 6 months after Dose 1.

Fainting sometimes happens after getting GARDASIL. For this reason, your health care provider may ask you to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after you get GARDASIL.

Sometimes fainting has been accompanied by falling with injury, as well as shaking or stiffening and other seizure-like activity. This may require evaluation or treatment by your health care provider.

Make sure that you get all 3 doses on time so that you get the best protection. If you miss a dose, talk to your health care provider.

What are the possible side effects of GARDASIL?

The most common side effects with GARDASIL are:

• pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site
• headache
• fever
• nausea
• dizziness
• vomiting
• fainting

Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following problems because these may be signs of an allergic reaction:

• difficulty breathing
• wheezing (bronchospasm)
• hives
• rash

Tell your health care provider if you have:

• swollen glands (neck, armpit, or groin)
• joint pain
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• chills
• generally feeling unwell
• leg pain
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• aching muscles
• muscle weakness
• seizure
• bad stomach ache

Contact your health care provider right away if you get any symptoms that concern you, even several months after getting the vaccine.

For a more complete list of side effects, ask your health care provider.

What are the ingredients in GARDASIL?

The ingredients are proteins of HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18, amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, yeast protein, sodium chloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate, and water for injection.

This leaflet is a summary of information about GARDASIL. If you would like more information, please talk to your health care provider or visit www.gardasil.com.

Last updated on RxList: 9/28/2009

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE - INJECTION

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gardasil

USES: This medication is a vaccine used to prevent cervical cancer, genital warts, and abnormal tissue growth in the vagina/cervix that can lead to cancer in women. These conditions are commonly caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccines work by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the virus.

This medication does not protect against all types of HPV, only the types in the vaccine. It is used to prevent the diseases and will not treat active cervical cancer, genital warts, or other diseases caused by the types of HPV in the vaccine.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your health care provider before being given this vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm by a health care professional. This vaccine must not be injected directly into a vein.

Before using, shake the medication well. It should be a white, cloudy liquid after shaking. Check the product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

This vaccine is given as 3 separate doses. The second dose should be given 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose should be given 6 months after the first dose. The vaccination schedule should be followed closely for the vaccine to be most effective.

SIDE EFFECTS: Redness, itching, swelling, bruising, and pain at the injection site may occur. Fever may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: joint pain/swelling.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor 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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vaccines; or if you have any other allergies.

Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems (e.g., HIV infection), bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), current fever/illness.

This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone), drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: Overdose with this vaccine is highly unlikely. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not fully protect everyone who receives it.

Getting this vaccine does not replace cervical cancer screening. Continue to have regular obstetrician/gynecologist checkups.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose in the vaccination schedule, contact your doctor immediately.

STORAGE: Store refrigerated between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.