Pneumovax (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent) Drug Overview of Drug Interactions and Missed Dose for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Pneumovax

Prevention of Pneumococcal Infections Secondary To Seasonal and Swine Flu »

What is Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). When these bacteria invade the lungs, they can cause pneumonia. They can also invade the bloodstream (bacteremia) and/or the tissues and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Pneumococcal infection kills thousands of people in the United States each year, most of them 65 years of age or older.

What are the Symptoms of Pneumococcal Disease?

The symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis include stiff neck, fever, mental confusion and disorientation, and visual sensitivity to light (photophobia). The symptoms of pneumococcal bacteremia may be similar to some of the symptoms of pneumonia and meningitis, along with joint pain and chills.

Why is Prevention o...

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

This vaccine should not be given at the same time as the shingles (zoster) vaccine because the shingles vaccine may not work as well. Ask your doctor when it is best to receive these vaccinations.

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: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: It is important to understand the risks and benefits of vaccinations. Discuss this with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the need for other vaccines to prevent possibly severe illness (e.g., flu shots).

Make sure all of your doctors know you have received this vaccine. Make sure a note is placed in your medical record of having received this vaccine.

MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.

STORAGE: Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor's office or clinic and will not be stored at home.