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.

Fainting has also occurred in some patients after receiving this vaccine. See the Precautions section for more details.

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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 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 Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Read the Gardasil (quadrivalent human papillomavirus (types 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

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. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

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 can cause fainting in some patients, which could result in falling and injury. To reduce the risk of this side effect, your doctor may recommend that you stay in a sitting or lying position for 15 minutes after the injection. Infrequently, fainting along with seizure-like movements have occurred, and usually have resolved after placing the patient in a lying position.

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.