Monograph Details
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Immune System
> Immunization
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ZOSTAVAX |
| Manufacturer |
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Merck & Co., Inc. |
| Legal Classification |
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Rx
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| Generic Name |
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Varicella zoster vaccine, live, attenuated; minimum of 19,400 PFU/0.65mL dose; pwd for SC inj after reconstitution; contains porcine gelatin, neomycin and bovine serum (trace); preservative-free. |
| Indications |
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Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults ≥60 years of age. |
| Children |
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Not recommended. |
| Adults |
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<60 yrs: not recommended. ≥60 yrs: one 0.65mL dose by SC inj once in upper arm. Administer immediately upon reconstitution. |
| Contraindications |
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Immunodeficiency (eg, HIV, leukemia, lymphoma, bone marrow or lymphatic cancer, immunosuppressive therapy). Pregnancy (Cat.C). |
| Precautions |
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Not for preventing primary varicella infection. Defer in untreated tuberculosis. Consider deferral in acute illness. Have epinephrine inj (1:1000) available. May not protect 100% of recipients. Virus transmission may occur between recipients and susceptible contacts. Nursing mothers. |
| Interactions |
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See Contraindications. Immunosuppressants may cause disseminated disease. |
| Adverse Reactions |
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Inj site reactions (eg, erythema, pain, swelling, pruritus), headache, cardiovascular diseases (eg, CHF, pulmonary edema). |
| Extra Text |
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Note: To register pregnant patients exposed to Zostavax: (800) 986-8999. To report adverse events to VAERS: (800) 822-7967. |
| How Supplied |
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Single-dose vials—1, 10 (w. diluent) |
| Additional Resources |
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• Related Prescribing Note |
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