Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant

Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant is a vaccine that is used for males and females to help protect against diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 

Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant can help prevent cervical cancer, genital warts, and other conditions caused by 4 types of HPV.

The vaccine, which is given as a series of three injections, does not protect against all types of HPV; however, it does protect against some of the most common types. 

Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant is a vaccine that is used for girls and women 9 through 26 years of age to help protect against the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV): 

• Cervical cancer 
• Vulvar and vaginal cancers 
• Anal cancer
• Genital warts 
• Precancerous cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal lesions 

Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant is used for boys and men 9 through 26 years of age to help protect against the following diseases caused by HPV:

• Anal cancer 
• Genital warts
• Precancerous anal lesions

The diseases listed above have many causes, and Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant only protects against diseases caused by certain kinds of HPV (called Type 6, Type 11, Type 16, and Type 18). Most of the time, these 4 types of HPV are responsible for the diseases listed above.

Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Gardasil

The most common side effects include:

• pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site
• headache
• fever
• nausea
• dizziness
• vomiting
• fainting

Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following problems because these may be signs of an allergic reaction: 

• difficulty breathing
• wheezing (bronchospasm)
• hives
• rash

Tell your health care provider if you have:

• swollen glands (neck, armpit, or groin)
• joint pain
• unusual tiredness, weakness, or confusion
• chills
• generally feeling unwell
• leg pain
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• aching muscles
• muscle weakness
• seizure
• bad stomach ache
• bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
• skin infection

Contact your health care provider right away if you get any symptoms that concern you, even several months after getting the vaccine.

This is not a complete list of side effects. Ask your health care provider for more information.

You should not get this vaccine if you have, or have had:

• an allergic reaction after getting a dose of Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant (brand name Gardasil).
• a severe allergic reaction to yeast, amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, polysorbate 80.

Tell your health care provider if you: 

• are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. This vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
• have immune problems, like HIV infection, cancer, or you take medicines that affect your immune system.
• have a fever over 100°F (37.8°C). 
• had an allergic reaction to another dose of this vaccine. 
• take any medicines, even those you can buy over the counter.

Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant is a shot that is usually given in the arm muscle. You will need 3 shots given on the following schedule:

• Dose 1: at a date you and your health care provider choose.
• Dose 2: 2 months after Dose 1.
• Dose 3: 6 months after Dose 1.

Fainting can happen after getting Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant. Sometimes people who faint can fall and hurt themselves. For this reason, your health care provider may ask you to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after the injection. Some people who faint might shake or become stiff. This may require evaluation or treatment by your health care provider.

Make sure that you get all 3 doses on time so that you get the best protection. If you miss a dose, talk to your health care provider.

Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant can be given at the same time as RECOMBIVAX HB 1 [hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant)] or Menactra [Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine] and Adacel [Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed (Tdap)].