Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated, IPV

The polio vaccine (poliovirus vaccine) is an injection given to you by a healthcare provider to prevent poliovirus infections. A poliovirus infection can lead to polio. Polio is a condition that can cause various symptoms, the most serious being paralysis. This vaccination is usually done in childhood.

What is this medication?

INACTIVATED POLIOVIRUS VACCINE, IPV (in AK tuh vey ted POH lee oh vahy ruhs vak SEEN) is used to prevent infections of polio.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): IPOL

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

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

•immune system problems

•infection with fever

•an unusual or allergic reaction to poliovirus vaccine, 2-phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, neomycin, streptomycin and polymyxin B, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This vaccine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 weeks of age 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.

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What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up (booster) doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

•adalimumab

•anakinra

•infliximab

•medicines that suppress your immune system

•medicines to treat cancer

•steroid medicines like 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.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Contact your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency medical care if any serious side effects occur.

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 doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•extreme changes in behavior

•fever over 101 degrees F

•inconsolable crying for 3 hours or more

•seizures

•unusually weak or tired

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

•bruising, pain, swelling at site where injected

•fussy

•loss of appetite

•low-grade fever

•sleepy

•vomiting

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 drug is given in a hospital or clinic and 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.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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