Brand Name
Pneumovax 23
Common Name
pneumococcal vaccine (for children and adults)
In this drug factsheet:
What side effects are possible with this medication?
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this
medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits
of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the
medicine; check with your doctor if the following side effects continue or become
bothersome. Your health professional may be able to help you to deal with
some of the effects.
Common
- reaction at place of injection such as
- redness
- soreness
- hard lump
- swelling
- pain
Less common or rare
- aches or pain in joints or muscles
- fever of 38.3 °C (101 °F) or less
- headache
- skin rash
- swollen glands
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vague feeling of bodily discomfort
Check with your doctor at once if the following occurs:
Rare
- fever over 39 °C (102.2 °F)
Get emergency help if any of the following occur:
Rare
- allergic reaction
- difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- hives
- itching, especially of feet or hands
- reddening of skin, especially around the ears
- swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose
- unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden or severe)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with
your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking
this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Make sure any new doctors know that you have had this vaccination so that they
can put this information in their records.
Fever: People with a fever due to an infection should delay receiving
the vaccine unless, in the opinion of the physician, the benefits outweigh the
risks.
Heart and lung disease: People with severely compromised heart and
lung function should be administered the vaccine with caution.
Pregnancy: Studies of the effects of pneumococcal vaccine on pregnancy
have not been done. The vaccine should not be used by pregnant women unless
clearly needed.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if the vaccine is excreted in breast
milk. Caution should be used when the vaccine is given to a nursing woman.
Children: The vaccine is not recommended for children under 2 years
of age.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., some medications used for the treatment of cancer or for transplant recipients) may affect how Pneumovax 23 works.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription),
and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements
you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs
can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know
if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want
you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop
taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed
by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are
being managed or should be managed.
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