Human papillomavirus (type 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine is used to prevent certain diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6, 11, 16, and 18.
It helps protect against the following diseases caused by HPV for individuals aged 9 to 26 years:
- cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
- lesions that may cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
- cancer of the anus in both women and men
- lesions that may cause cancer of the anus in men
- genital warts in both men and women
Human papillomavirus (type 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle, usually 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 (type 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant 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 (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes) to Human papillomavirus (type 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bleeding disorders
- a condition causing a weak immune system e.g. HIV infection
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Human papillomavirus (type 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine will not protect you against every type of HPV. Ensure that you continue to use appropriate precautions against sexually transmitted diseases.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition regularly. Your doctor may need to perform routine screening tests (e.g. Pap smear, cervical cancer screening, anal cancer screening).
Human papillomavirus (type 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle pain, and pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site.
Brief fainting spells that may result in falling and injury may occur after vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by falls.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes following vaccination, inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
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 any of these medicines:
- medicines for cancer
- anti-inflammatory medicines
- blood-thinning medicines
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Human papillomavirus (type 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine.
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, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Human papillomavirus (type 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.