Measles/Mumps/Rubella Vaccines, MMR injection
What is this medication?
MEASLES VIRUS; MUMPS VIRUS; RUBELLA VIRUS VACCINE LIVE (MEE zuhlz VAHY ruhs; muhmps VAHY ruhs; roo bel uh VAHY ruhs vak SEEN lahyv ) is used to prevent an infection with measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella (German measles) viruses. It is used to prevent infection in children over 12 months old, adults that have not been vaccinated and are not pregnant, and anyone traveling to countries where there are high rates of measles, mumps, or rubella.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): M-M-R II
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•bleeding disorder
•cancer including leukemia or lymphoma
•immune system problems
•infection with fever
•low levels of platelets in the blood
•recent blood transfusion or immune globulin infusion
•seizure disorder
•taking medicines for immunosuppression
•an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, eggs, neomycin, gelatin, 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 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 12 months 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.
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?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•adalimumab
•anakinra
•etanercept
•infliximab
•medicines that suppress your immune system
•medicines to treat cancer
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•immune globulins
•live virus vaccines
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 doctor for check-ups as directed.
Do not become pregnant for 3 months after receiving this vaccine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
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
•changes in hearing
•changes in vision
•difficulty walking
•extreme changes in behavior
•fast, irregular heartbeat
•fever over 100 degrees F
•pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
•seizures
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•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):
•aches or pains
•bruising, pain, swelling at site where injected
•diarrhea
•headache
•low-grade fever of 100 degrees F or less
•nausea, vomiting
•runny nose, cough
•sleepy
•swollen glands
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.
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