Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23) Injection

What is this medication?

PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE (NEU mo KOK al pol ee SAK ar ide vak SEEN) reduces the risk of pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. It does not treat pneumococcal disease. It is still possible to get pneumococcal disease after receiving this vaccine, but the symptoms may be less severe or not last as long. It works by helping your immune system learn how to fight off a future infection.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pneumovax 23, Pneumovax-23

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding problems
• Bone marrow or organ transplant
• Cancer, Hodgkin's disease
• Fever
• Immune system problems
• Infection
• Low platelet count in the blood
• Seizures
• An unusual or allergic reaction to pneumococcal vaccine, diphtheria toxoid, other vaccines, latex, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This vaccine is injected into a muscle or under the skin. It is given by your care team.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. This sheet may change often.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

• Certain medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin
• Medications for cancer chemotherapy
• Medications that suppress your immune function
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team regularly.

Report any side effects to your care team right away.

This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Unusual weakness or fatigue

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This vaccine is only given by your care team. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.