Gardasil/Gardasil 9

Uses of Gardasil/Gardasil 9

Gardasil (human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine) is commonly given to help prevent cancer of the anus, genital warts, or certain head and neck cancers. In girls and women, it is also used to prevent cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, and abnormal tissue growth in these areas which can lead to cancer. These conditions are commonly caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Gardasil 9 helps protect people from these conditions caused by 9 different types of HPV.

Gardasil 9 triggers the body’s natural immune response to make antibodies against 9 types of HPV. If you have antibodies against these viruses, your body is better able to fight them, which may help you from developing cancer and/or genital warts.

Precautions and Warnings

People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive Gardasil 9.

• Gardasil 9
• Gardasil
• Human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine
• Yeast
• Any of the ingredients in the specified product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Gardasil 9.

A vaccine information sheet should be provided by your healthcare provider to you before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Gardasil 9?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Gardasil 9 is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

• Cancer
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• A weak immune system
• Get infections easily

It is unknown if or how Gardasil 9 could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

It is unknown if Gardasil 9 passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

What should I know about Gardasil 9 before getting it?

Gardasil 9 is given as a shot in the arm or thigh as several doses separated by several months. Make sure you get all doses of Gardasil 9 that your healthcare provider recommends. Gardasil 9 helps protect you from certain cancers associated with 9 types of HPV infection. The vaccine will not give you disease caused by these viruses.

Gardasil 9 vaccination does not reduce the need for cervical cancer screenings (Pap smears). Vaccinated people should practice safe sex, as Gardasil 9 does not protect from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or types of HPV you have not been exposed to.

Your risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving Gardasil 9. Your healthcare provider may want to watch you for this time to ensure your safety.

Dosage

GARDASIL 9 should be administered intramuscularly in the deltoid or anterolateral area of the thigh.

• For individuals 9 through 14 years of age, GARDASIL 9 can be administered using a 2-dose or 3-dose schedule. For the 2-dose schedule, the second dose should be administered 6–12 months after the first dose. If the second dose is administered less than 5 months after the first dose, a third dose should be given at least 4 months after the second dose. For the 3-dose schedule, GARDASIL 9 should be administered at 0, 2 months, and 6 months.
• For individuals 15 through 45 years of age, GARDASIL 9 is administered using a 3-dose schedule at 0, 2 months, and 6 months.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Pain, swelling, redness, itching, bleeding, and a lump at the injection site
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea