Human papillomavirus (type 6, 11, 16, 18) vaccine - intramuscular

Human Papillomavirus vaccine is used to prevent diseases caused by human Papillomavirus (HPV) type 6, 11, 16, and 18.

This vaccine protects against the following diseases caused by HPV:

• cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
• cancer of anus in both women and men
• genital warts in both men and women

Human Papillomavirus vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle of the upper arm or thigh).

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.

The total number of injections you will receive will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your vaccination depending on your age at the time of your first injection.

Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to human Papillomavirus vaccine.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.

Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to human Papillomavirus vaccine.

Alert your doctor if you have an illness with high fever as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• bleeding problems
• weak immune system

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine will not protect you against every type of human papillomavirus. Ensure that you use proper precautions against sexually transmitted diseases.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition regularly. Your doctor may also need to perform some tests (e.g. pap smear, cervical cancer screening, anal cancer screening).

Human Papillomavirus vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, itching, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, and pain, redness, swelling, and irritation at the injection site.

Brief fainting spells and related symptoms (e.g. momentary loss of vision, jerking, numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet) can happen after vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after a vaccination can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by falls.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines for cancer and medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. 

Keep the medicine in the outer carton to protect from light.