Before Using

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Menveo® in children younger than 2 months of age, and Menactra® in children younger than 9 months of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established in these age groups.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of meningococcal polysaccharide diphtheria conjugate vaccine in adults older than 55 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this vaccine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS, nerve disease that causes paralysis), history of—May increase risk of developing GBS after receiving the vaccine.
  • Immunodeficiency disorder or
  • Weak immune system—This vaccine may not work well in patients with these conditions.