Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine, live (Injection)

Introduction

Measles Virus Vaccine, Live (MEE-zuls VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve), Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live (mumps VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve), Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live (roo-BELL-a VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve), Varicella Virus Vaccine (var-i-SEL-a VYE-rus VAX-een)

Prevents infection by the measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chickenpox) viruses. This vaccine is used in children 12 months to 12 years of age.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

This vaccine should not be given to children who have had an allergic reaction to measles vaccine, mumps vaccine, rubella vaccine, varicella vaccine, or to neomycin or gelatin. Do not give this vaccine to children who are receiving certain steroid medicines (such as dexamethasone or prednisolone), medicine to treat cancer, or other medicines that weaken the immune system. Pregnant women or patients who have a blood or bone marrow disorder (such as leukemia or lymphoma), active and untreated tuberculosis (TB), any illness with a fever, or a family history of immune deficiency condition should not receive this vaccine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Your child should not take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin (such as cold medicines) for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine. Carefully check the label of any pain, headache, or cold medicine you give to your child to be sure it does not contain aspirin or salicylic acid.
• Immune globulin and blood or plasma transfusions should not be given at the same time as this vaccine.
• Make sure your child's doctor knows if your child is using a medicine that weakens the immune system, such as a steroid or cancer medicine. This vaccine may not work as well if your child has a weak immune system.
• Talk to your doctor before your child gets flu shots or other vaccines after he or she receives this vaccine.

Brand Name(s)

ProQuad

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This shot is usually given in the upper arm or thighs.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your child should receive one shot at 12 to 15 months of age and possibly a second shot at 4 to 6 years of age.
• Your child may receive certain other vaccines at the same time as this one, but in a different body area.
• You should receive a patient information sheet about all of the vaccines your child receives. Make sure you understand all of the information that is given to you.

If a dose is missed:

• It is important to receive this vaccine at the proper time. If your child misses a scheduled shot, call your child's doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this vaccine while pregnant can harm the unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should avoid getting pregnant for 3 months after receiving this vaccine.
• Make sure your child's doctor knows if your child has a history of a brain injury, seizures, bleeding disorders (such as thrombocytopenia), or high fevers.
• Tell your child's doctor if your child has had an allergic reaction to eggs.
• Children who have received this vaccine have developed a fever and in some cases a fever with seizures. Talk with your child's doctor if you have concerns about this.
• Your child should avoid close contact with people at high risk for catching the varicella virus for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine. People who are at risk for catching the virus are pregnant women, newborn babies, and anyone who has a weak immune system that keeps them from fighting infections.
• Make sure your doctor knows if your child has recently had a blood or plasma transfusion, or received an immune globulin injection. Tell your doctor if your child needs to receive a tuberculin skin test.
• This vaccine contains albumin, which comes from human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made of human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during manufacture of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your child's doctor if you have concerns.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and body aches.
• High fever (over 102 degrees F).
• Skin rash that looks like chickenpox or measles.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, vomiting.
• Irritability.
• Mild burning, pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given.
• Mild skin rash or itching.