This medicine is a vaccine used to prevent certain infections caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way. This medicine is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using this medicine at home, STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, contact your doctor right away.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants (eg, warfarin). Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines or treatments that decrease the immune response, such as corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), cancer medicines, or radiation therapy. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including fever; bleeding or blood clotting problems; low blood platelet levels; a weakened immune system, including if you have cancer or HIV infection; allergies (including rubber); pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, spleen problems, sickle cell disease, stem cell transplant, or certain kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome). Tell the doctor if the patient is a child who was born prematurely. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include decreased appetite; headache; irritability; mild fever; mild pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site; muscle or joint pain; sleep changes; or tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience fever, chills, or persistent cough or sore throat; severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting; seizures; shortness of breath; stomach pain or cramps; or wheezing. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.