VARICELLA VACCINE, LIVE IP
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved Varicella Vaccine, Live IP in 2005. Varicella Vaccine, Live IP is classified as a live attenuated vaccine.
Uses
Varicella Vaccine + Live IP treats are used to help protect both adults and children from varicella or chickenpox. Vaccines are administered to protect against infectious diseases for you or your child. It is given to persons 12 months of age and older. This medicine does not provide complete protection against naturally acquired chickenpox.
How is it administered?
Varicella Vaccine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors. Do not self-administer.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Varicella Vaccine + Live IP are fever, redness, pain, sensitivity to touch, swelling at the injection site, upper respiratory tract infection (nose, throat, airway), irritability, rash, including varicella-like rash, and itching at the injection site.
Warnings
Varicella Vaccine + Live IP should not be consumed if you are allergic to Varicella Vaccine + Live IP or any of its ingredients in the medication. Do not use this medicine if you have blood disorders or malignant cancers affecting the immune system, receive immunosuppressive therapy, or have a weakened immune system due to illnesses (HIV or AIDS) or medications. Pregnancy should be avoided for one month after vaccination. It is advised to use effective birth control during to avoid pregnancy.
Precautions
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid taking Varicella Vaccine + Live IP if you have a family history of immunodeficiency, fever, active untreated tuberculosis, or are pregnant. Before taking the medicine, inform your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, if you are a pregnant woman who has never had chickenpox, and a newborn baby whose mothers have never had chickenpox.
Word of Advice
Varicella Vaccine, Live IP is suitable for individuals without a history of chickenpox who have been exposed to the disease. Vaccination within three days of exposure may prevent or reduce the severity of chickenpox, resulting in fewer skin lesions and shorter illness duration. Limited data suggest that vaccination up to 5 days after exposure may reduce disease severity. Do not administer Immune Globulins (IG) or other blood products concurrently with Varicella Vaccine, Live IP. Before commencing this product, inform your doctor of all underlying medical conditions. Do not remove it until your doctor advises. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Contact your doctor for further information.
References
Merck Sharp & Dohme (UK) Limited; Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sept 2023] [Accessed on 28th July 2023], pil.5582.pdf (medicines.org.uk) Merck & Co., Inc; Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Feb 2023] [Accessed on 28th July 2023], https://www.fda.gov/media/76000/download
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Varicella Vaccine + Live IP if Iâm breastfeeding?
It is unsafe to use this medicine during breastfeeding. Consult your medical professional regarding the use of Varicella Vaccine + Live IP. The potential benefits and risks should be carefully assessed. Your doctor will suggest taking this medicine only if it's necessary.
Who shouldnât use Varicella Vaccine + Live IP?
Varicella vaccine + Live IP should not be given to individuals allergic to its components or neomycin, with certain blood disorders or malignant cancers affecting the immune system, receiving immunosuppressive therapy, having untreated tuberculosis or high fever, pregnant, or planning pregnancy within a month after vaccination.
What is Varicella Vaccine + Live IP?
Varicella Vaccine + Live IP is a vaccine that protects against chickenpox. It contains weakened varicella-zoster virus to stimulate the immune system and prevent or reduce the severity of chickenpox infection.
Can I use Varicella Vaccine + Live IP with other medications?
Before using this medicine, it is essential to consult your doctor, as they can interact with various other medications. Talking to your doctor will help ensure the safe and appropriate use of Varicella Vaccine + Live IP injection with your current medication regimen.
Can the Varicella vaccine be given to infants?
In special circumstances, Varicella vaccine may be given to infants from 9 months of age, especially to conform with national vaccination schedules or during outbreak situations.