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MDS, BDS
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MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
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Home>Cervarix>cervarix vaccine

Cervarix Vaccine

Prescription Required
Marketer
Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
SALT COMPOSITION
Human Papillomavirus Bivalent (Types 16 and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant (NA)
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze.
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Product introduction

Cervarix Vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent cervical cancer in women. It is used to prevent the disease caused by HPV types 16 and 18. It is only used for prevention and not to treat the condition which is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cervarix Vaccine is administered by injection to females aged between 9 and 45 years. The injection will be given in two or three doses several months apart. It is given by your doctor or nurse, who will make sure you get the right amount. It’s important to keep taking this medicine until your doctor tells you not to. Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it even if you feel well. 

The most common side effects are injection site pain or swelling, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and stomach upset. They are usually mild and resolve on their own. Consult your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.

Before taking this vaccine, tell your doctor if you have ever fainted with a previous injection and if you have a weak immune system. Ask your doctor if it is safe to have the vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This vaccine is not an alternative to routine cervical screening. You should still turn up for all scheduled appointments.

Uses of Cervarix Suspension for Injection

Benefits of Cervarix Suspension for Injection

In Prevention of Cervical cancer

Cervarix Vaccine is given to protect against cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions in female genitals (cervix, vulva, and vagina) that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. The vaccine is intended to prevent these and not to treat them. It is normally given between the ages of 9 and 25. It works by increasing your body’s natural defense (immunity) against the HPV (types 16 and 18).

The vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm by a doctor or nurse. You must make sure you receive all doses in order to be protected. HPV vaccines are considered very safe and the benefits far outweigh the potential health risk.

Side effects of Cervarix Suspension for Injection

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Cervarix

  • Injection site redness
  • Injection site pain
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach

How to use Cervarix Suspension for Injection

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Cervarix Suspension for Injection works

Cervarix Vaccine is a vaccine which helps to develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness, but it stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies to protect against any future infections.

Safety advice

Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Cervarix Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Cervarix Vaccine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Cervarix Vaccine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Cervarix Vaccine alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Cervarix Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Cervarix Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Cervarix Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Cervarix Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine

Quick tips

  • Cervarix Vaccine is used for the prevention of cervical cancer.
  • It is usually given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm.
  • Remain seated for atleast 15 minutes after the injection as it may cause dizziness or fainting.
  • It does not protect against every type of HPV. Take precautions against sexually transmitted disease and follow your doctor’s advice.
  • It does not cure an existing HPV infection. But, it can protect you from other different strains of HPV.
  • Consult with your doctor if you forget to take a scheduled dose. 

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Vaccines
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
VACCINES

Patient concerns

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i hvnt recieved HPV VACCINE yet can you please suggest me out of the 3 vaccine available (cervarix, gardasil. n 1 more) which one to preferred can i take vaccine at this age
Dr. Sanjay Singh Rai
Medical Oncology and Hematology
Not much benefit at this age however people do take
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Vaccinations for a 10 year old
Dr. Rahul Yadav
Paediatrics
Helo, the vaccines generally required are. Boosterix Cervarix for girls. Typhoid booster if last dose 3 years back.
MORE
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User feedback

FAQs

Q. What is Cervarix Vaccine used for?

Cervarix Vaccine is used in females, for the prevention of cervical cancer. It protects a woman from the infection caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18.

Q. Who should get vaccinated?

Cervarix Vaccine is best given as early as possible to adolescent girls between 11 and 12 years of age. It is also recommended for all females lying between 13 and 26 years of age who did not get the vaccine when they were younger. It can be given to females within the age of 9 to 45 years. However, the dose and schedule of vaccine will depend on the age of the person.

Q. Can I have Cervarix Vaccine if I am not a virgin anymore? And will it still be effective?

Yes, you can still get the vaccine even if you have had sexual intercourse. There are 100 types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Even if you already have one strain of HPV, you can still get benefit from the vaccine because it can protect you from other strains that you don't yet have.

Q. I didn't get the last dose of the Cervarix Vaccine. Do I need to start over again?

No, you can just continue from where you left off. Usually a 3 dose schedule of Cervarix Vaccine is recommended. The second dose should be given 1 to 2 months after the first one, and the third one should be given after 6 months of the second one. However, if the last dose is delayed, the series does not need to be restarted and you may continue the treatment from where you left. Please let your doctor know and he/she will suggest when to give you the missed dose.

Q. Is Pap smear test (a method of cervical screening) still necessary if I have already taken the Cervarix Vaccine?

Yes, vaccinated women will still need regular cervical cancer screening because the vaccine protects against most but not all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.

Q. How well does Cervarix Vaccine work?

Cervarix Vaccine works extremely well. Clinical trials have shown that these types of vaccines provide close to 100% protection against cervical cancer and infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18.

Q. Does Cervarix Vaccine carry any health risks or side effects?

Overall, the effects are usually mild. The most common side effects include soreness, swelling or redness at the injection site. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, sitting for 15 minutes after the injection can reduce the risk of fainting. In addition, headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or weakness may also occur.

Q. Do I need to worry about HPV if my partner and I always use a condom?

If your partner has HPV infection (with or without symptoms), you can still be infected with HPV even if you always use condom. This is because a condom can not provide 100% protection from any sexually transmitted infection. Furthermore, HPV is mostly transmitted during sexual intercourse, but it can also be transmitted, due to oral sex or during genital to genital contact.
Related lab tests
  • Human Papilloma Virus
  • Papanicolaou (PAP) Cytology

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    Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

    References

    1. Cervarix [Human Papillomavirus Vaccine rDNA Ph Eur]. Mumbai, India: GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited; 2008 [revised 20 Jun. 2018]. [Accessed 15 Jul. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
    2. Cervarix [Human Papillomavirus Bivalent (Types 16 and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant]. Rixensart, Belgium: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals; 2009. [Accessed 15 Jul. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
    3. Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher's & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. pp. 200-201.
    4. Human Papillomavirus Bivalent (Types 16 and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant. Rixensart, Belgium: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals; 2009. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
    5. Cervarix [Human Papillomavirus vaccine [Types 16, 18] (Recombinant, adjuvanted, adsorbed)]. Rixensart, Belgium: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals S.A. [Accessed 15 Jul. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
    6. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine rDNA Ph Eur [Prescribing Information]. Nabha, Punjab: GlaxoSmithKline Asia Private Limited; 2016. [Accessed 19 Oct. 2023] (online) Available from: External Link

    Marketer details

    Name: Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    Address: Dr. Annie Besant Road, Mumbai - 400 030
    Country of origin: Belgium
    DISCONTINUED
    We do not facilitate sale of this product at present

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