Meningococcal vaccine, diphtheria conjugate (Injection)

Introduction

Meningococcal Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate (me-NINJ-oh-kok-kal VAX-een, dif-THEER-ee-a KON-joo-gate)

Prevents disease such as meningitis, caused by bacteria called meningococcus. This vaccine is recommended for persons 9 months to 55 years of age.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

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 into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This vaccine is usually given only once. You will not need a booster unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Vaccine information statements are given to the patient, parent, or guardian before receiving this vaccine. Read the information carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system such as cancer medicines, radiation treatment, or steroids.
• Your doctor should know about all other vaccines you have recently received, including a flu shot.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• It is important to tell your doctor if you become pregnant. Your doctor may want you to join a pregnancy registry for patients receiving this vaccine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding or if you have recently been sick.
• Meningitis can be caused by many different viral or bacterial germ types. This vaccine protects against only four of these germ types and may not prevent disease that is caused by other types.
• This vaccine will not prevent diphtheria, and will not treat a meningococcal infection that you already have.
• The stopper of the vial contains dry natural latex rubber. Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child have had an allergic reaction to latex rubber.

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
• Fever or chills.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

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

• Crying or irritability.
• Diarrhea, loss of appetite, or vomiting.
• Headache or drowsiness.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, tenderness, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given.
• Skin rash.
• Tiredness.

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