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 Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:45 am
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Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:46 am
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HPV Information
Cervical cancer and other diseases can be caused by a certain type of a common virus - HPV.
HPV is a common virus that affects both females and males. There are actually more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Most often, HPV does not cause any symptoms, is harmless, and goes away on its own.
However, there are a few types of HPV that you should really know about:
Genital HPV:
More than 30 types of HPVaffect the gential area:
-Some types can cause abnormal cervical cells, cervical cancer, and other reproductive cancers.
- Other types can cause genital warts, and benign (abnormal, but non-cancerous) changes in the cervix.
All types of genital HPV can cause abnormal Pap tests.
Cervical Cancer:
Cervical cancer is not considered to be hereditary. It is caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the v****a). In rare cases, cervical cancer can develop if you're exposted to the more serious types of HPV and your body doesn't clear the infection.
Abnormal Cervical Cells:
Abnormal cervical cells are cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance. The more severe the abnormal cells, the more likely it is that cervical cancer can develop in the future.
Genital Warts:
Genital warts aren't life threatening, but they can be life altering. Genital warts are usually flesh-colored growths that are caused by certain types of HPV (these are different from the types of HPV that can lead to cancer). On average, men and women have a 10% risk of developing genital warts in their lifetime.
Who Gets HPV?
Anyone who has sexual activity involving genital contact could get HPV, even if there is no intercourse. Young women between the ages of 15 and 29 years are at highest risk.
Because people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, they can pass on the virus without even knowing it.
What You Can Do
Routine Pap testing throughout life is an important screening tool to help monitor your risk. A Pap test looks for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have a chance to become precancerous or cervical cancer. Having regular Pap tests, limiting the number of sexual partners and use of condoms can all help prevent HPV infection. It is also possible to vaccinate yourself against certain strains of HPV.
For more information on a woman's physical, click here.
Facts To Know
- Cervical cancer, abnormal cervical cells and cential warts are caused by certain types of HPV, a common virus.
- An estimated 75% of Canadians will have at least once HPV infection during their lifetime.
- Anyone is at risk of developing an HPV infection, but young women between the ages of 15 and 29 years are at highest risk.
- On average, men and women have a 10% risk of developing genital warts in their lifetime.
- On average, one woman dies every day from cervical cancer in Canada.
- Having regular Pap tests, liming your number of sexual partners, using condoms, and vaccinating against HPV can all help prevent HPV infection.
** For more information on cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, visit www.tellsomeone.ca
** The information in this pamphlet is from "one of Canada's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies."
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Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:47 am
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Other HPV Information (from the internet)
Taken from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000886.htm
Genital Warts
Alternative names
Condylomata acuminata; Penile warts; Human papilloma virus (HPV); Venereal warts; Condyloma
Definition
Genital warts are soft wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease. Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The virus responsible for genital warts is called human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus can cause warts on the p***s, vulva, urethra, v****a, cervix, and around the a**s.
HPV infection around the genitals is common, although most people have no symptoms. Even if you do NOT have symptoms, however, you must be treated to avoid complications and spreading the condition to others.
There are more than 70 different types of HPV. Several types are associated with genital warts. Other types are associated with common or flat warts elsewhere on the skin.
HPV grows well in the moist genital area. Warts on the outer genitals are easily recognized. They are raised, flesh-colored lesions that may occur singly or in clusters. Left untreated, warts may rapidly enlarge, taking on a "cauliflower-like" appearance.
In women, HPV can invade the v****a and cervix. These warts are flat and not easily visible without special procedures. Because HPV can lead to cancerous and precancerous changes in the cervix, it is important that this condition be diagnosed and treated. Regular pap smears are necessary to detect HPV or other abnormal changes related to this virus. Having both HPV and herpes virus together puts you at particular risk for cervical cancer.
The following factors put you at higher risk for getting genital warts and other complications of HPV:
- Multiple sexual partners
- Not knowing if someone you had sex with had STDs
- Early age when you start to be sexually active
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Stress and other viral infections (such as HIV or herpes) at the same time
If a child has genital warts, you should suspect sexual abuse as a possible cause.
Symptoms
- Raised, flesh-colored lesions on the genitals, a**s, or surrounding skin
- Cauliflower-like appearing growths around the a**s or genitals
- Increased dampness or moisture in the area of the growths
- Itching of the p***s, scrotum, a**l area, or a vulvar itch
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (not associated with a menstrual period) after sexual intercourse
Often, however, there are no symptoms.
Signs and tests
A genital examination reveals flesh-colored to white, flat or raised, single or clustered lesions anywhere on the genitalia.
In women, a pelvic examination may reveal growths on the vaginal walls or the cervix. Magnification (colposcopy) may be used to see lesions invisible to the naked eye. The tissue of the v****a and cervix may be treated with acetic acid to make the warts visible. A pap smear may note changes associated with HPV.
Treatment
Genital warts must be treated by a doctor. DO NOT use over-the counter remedies meant for other kinds of warts. Your doctor may treat genital warts by applying a skin treatment in the office. Or, the doctor may prescribe a medication that you apply at home several times per week.
Surgical treatments include cryosurgery, electrocauterization, laser therapy, or cutting them out.
If you develop genital warts, all of your sexual partners must be examined by a health care provider and treated if genital warts are found.
After your initial treatment, your doctor will schedule follow-up examinations to see if the warts have returned.
Women who have had genital warts, and women whose partners ever had genital warts, should have pap smears at least every 6 months. For warts on the cervix, women may be advised to have pap smears every 3 months after initial treatment.
Expectations (prognosis)
With proper treatment, genital wart outbreaks of usually can be controlled. However, the warts frequently reappear after treatment. Even after you have been treated for HPV, you may still infect others.
Complications
At least 70 types of HPV have been identified, several of which have been linked to cervical and vulvar cancer. The warts may become numerous and quite large, requiring more extensive treatment and follow-up procedures.
Calling your health care provider
Call your doctor if a current or past sexual partner is found to have genital warts. Call if you have visible warts on your external genitals, itching, discharge, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Keep in mind that genital warts may not appear for months to years after having sexual contact with an infected person.
Call your doctor if a young child is thought to possibly have genital warts.
Sexually active teens are very susceptible to HPV and should get screened for HPV infection regularly.
Prevention
Total abstinence is the only foolproof way of avoiding genital warts and other STDs. You can also avoid STDs by having a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner known to be disease-free.
Skin near the warts and around the genitals, a**s, and other areas can pass the virus from one person to the next. Therefore, male and female condoms cannot fully protect you. Nonetheless, condoms should still be used. They reduce your chances of getting or spreading STDs. These precautions must be taken at all times. HPV can be passed from person to person even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms. See: Safe sex
A new vaccine called Gardasil prevents infection against four of the HPV strains responsible for the majority of genital warts and cervical cancer in women. The vaccine is given as a series of three shots. It is for use in females only.
~
Taken from: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3813
Definition of Human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus: HPV. A family of over 100 viruses including those which cause warts and are transmitted by contact. Some types of HPV are associated with tumors of the genital tract including, notably, cancer of the cervix.
Of the more than 100 types of HPVs, over 30 types can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Most genital HPV infections come and go over the course of a few years. However, sometimes HPV infection may persist for many years, with or without causing cellular abnormalities.
The majority of HPVs produce warts on the hands, fingers, and even the face. Most of these viruses are thus innocuous, causing nothing more than cosmetic concerns. HPVs also can cause painful plantar warts (on the sole of the foot).
Several types of HPV, however, are confined primarily to the moist skin of the genitals, producing genital warts and markedly elevating the risk for cancer of the cervix.
Genital warts (technically known as condylomata acuminatum) are most commonly associated with two HPV types, HPV-6 and HPV-11. The warts may appear within several weeks after sexual contact with a person who is infected with HPV, or they may take months or years to appear, or they may never appear. HPVs may also cause flat, abnormal growths in the genital area and on the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that extends into the v****a). However, HPV genital infections usually cause no symptoms.
HPVs are now recognized as the major cause of cervical cancer. HPVs may play a role in cancers of the a**s, vulva, v****a, and some cancers of the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils). Infection with HPV is also a risk factor for penile cancer (cancer of the p***s).
Some types of HPVs are referred to as "low-risk" viruses because they rarely cause cancer. HPVs that are more likely to lead to the development of cancer are referred to as "high-risk." Both low- and high-risk types of HPVs can cause the growth of abnormal cells, but generally only the high-risk types of HPVs may lead to cancer.
Sexually transmitted, high-risk HPVs include types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 69, and possibly a few others. These high-risk types of HPVs cause growths that are usually flat and nearly invisible, as compared with the warts caused by types HPV-6 and HPV-11.
A risk factor for HPV infection is a history of many sexual partners. Although HPV infections may go away on their own without causing any type of abnormality, infection with high-risk HPV types increases the chance that mild cellular abnormalities will progress to more severe ones and to cervical cancer. Still, of the women who do develop abnormal cell changes with high-risk types of HPVs, only a small percentage would develop cervical cancer if the abnormal cells were not removed.
Studies suggest that whether a woman develops cervical cancer depends on a variety of factors acting together with high-risk HPVs. The factors that may increase the risk of cervical cancer in women with HPV infection include smoking and having many children.
HPVs produce proteins known as E5, E6, and E7. These proteins interfere with the cell functions that normally prevent excessive growth. For example, HPV E6 interferes with the human protein p53. This protein is present in all people and acts to keep tumors from growing.
Vaccines for certain papillomaviruses, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, are being studied in clinical trials for the prevention of cervical cancer and similar trials for other types of cancer are planned.
~
Taken from: http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/sexual_health/sti/hpv.htm
What is human papilloma virus (HPV)?
HPV is a family of over 100 viruses that affect different parts of the body. Some strains of HPV cause warts on the feet, hands, and other parts of the body, while other strains are sexually transmitted and cause warts that affect skin in the genital area -- the vulva, v****a, cervix, rectum, a**s, p***s, or scrotum. These are the strains of HPV that will be discussed on this page. There are more than 30 strains of HPV that affect the genital area and depending on the type of HPV involved, symptoms can be in the form of wart-like growths or abnormal cell changes, especially in a woman's cervix, that can be precancerous.
Is it common?
In the US, HPV is considered to be the most common STI. Approximately 5.5 million people are newly infected with genital HPV each year and about 20 million people are currently infected. Some studies estimate that 50% to 75% of the sexually active population are exposed to at least 1 strain of HPV, although most people don't develop symptoms. Because HPV is so common, a person can have very few sexual partners and still come into contact with this virus.
How is it transmitted?
HPV is transmitted through vaginal, a**l, and oral sex and can be transmitted by skin-to-skin genital contact or rubbing. HPV can spread whether or not warts are visible. Because genital HPV infections are often unseen, they can be transmitted by sex partners who do not know they're infected. A pregnant mother who is infected with HPV can also transmit the virus to her infant during vaginal childbirth.
What are the symptoms?
A majority of HPV infections have no signs or symptoms and so most people that are infected are completely unaware but can continue to transmit the virus to sex partner(s).
Depending on the type of HPV, some women have infections that cause abnormal cell growth (dysplasia) on the female cervix. A woman may only find out she has HPV when her annual Pap smear results indicate abnormal cervical cell changes.
Other types of HPV cause visible genital warts. In women, these growths may develop inside the v****a, where they are hard to detect. They can also develop on the lips of the v****a or around the a**s. In men, they usually appear on the p***s, but they are also found on the scrotum or around the a**s. Very rarely, growths can be found in the mouth or the throat.
The growths are typically soft, moist, pink or red swellings and are usually painless but may itch. If allowed to grow, they can block the openings of the v****a, urethra, or a**s and become very uncomfortable. They can be single or multiple growths or bumps, raised or flat, small or large and sometimes form a cauliflower-like shape. Depending on their location, genital warts can cause sores and bleeding.
How soon after exposure to HPV will symptoms appear?
Warts typically appear within 3 weeks to 6 months after sexual contact with an infected person, but they can also take years to appear. This time period makes it difficult to track the infection as it's passed from one partner to the next.
How is it diagnosed?
Genital warts are diagnosed by a visual inspection from your medical provider. They might also perform a vinegar wash to make the warts easier to see. For women, the Pap smear will also be performed to detect any changes in the cervical cells caused by HPV infection. If the Pap smear results indicate abnormal cell changes, a woman will typically will require a colposcopy (a procedure used to magnify cervical and vaginal tissue) and a biopsy (a procedure that removes tissue samples to be examined under a microscope).
Most men with HPV don't have any symptoms and so diagnosing HPV in men is difficult. Since there is no treatment for asymptomatic HPV, most men are not treated. It is possible for men to think they have no symptoms when they actually do. Sometimes a medical provider can see small warts that have gone unnoticed, particularly if they are right inside the opening of the p***s.
Men and women should stop having sexual contact as soon as they know or think they have genital warts and they should seek treatment immediately.
How is it treated?
The goal of the following treatments is to control the virus, but it is important to understand that the underlying HPV infection can't be cured. Like any type of viral infection, HPV stays in your body and can cause warts to appear in the future, particularly when your immune system is suppressed.
There are many ways to remove visible genital warts, depending on their size and location. A medical provider can get rid of smaller warts by freezing them off through cryotherapy, burning them off with an acidic chemical, or removing them through laser surgery. Cyrotherapy and acid treatments can be performed by medical providers at Health Services, and referrals will be given to women who need to be treated through laser surgery. All three procedures may require multiple follow-up visits or treatments. Some patients with HPV are also able to use a cream at home to help treat the warts.
If a woman has cervical dysplasia, the treatment depends on the severity of the diagnosis and the risk of sexual transmission. For less serious cell changes, a woman may be asked to repeat the Pap Smear test and/or to treat her cervix with an antibiotic cream. A medical provider might also choose to remove the affected cells with cryotherapy, laser surgery, or electrocautery.
How does the HPV Vaccine work?
There is now a vaccine for HPV, called GARDASIL, which protects against 4 types of HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 1 cool that are linked to 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. It is not used to treat HPV.
How do I cope with an HPV infection?
Once you have been treated for HPV, the most important thing you can do for your health is to continue to have regular check-ups. If you have been recently diagnosed and treated, you will need more frequent exams to be sure that the warts have been removed. After a successful treatment men and women should continue to examine their genitals regularly to check for warts and to have annual physical exams to check for any new warts or growths that you can't see. Women should also receive annual Pap smear tests to identify any cervical cell changes.
As with other viral infections, you're less likely to experience genital wart recurrences if you take care of your health. This means that you want to maintain a strong immune system by eating right, getting exercise, getting enough sleep, managing your stress, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, or other illegal drugs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will decrease the chances of recurrences, and in time, most people stop having any recurrences.
You can reduce your risk of transmitting HPV to a sexual partner by abstaining from sex, by finding other ways to express intimacy, by avoiding contact with any wart, and/or by using condoms correctly and consistently every time you have sex. Like all safer sex methods (with the exception of abstinence) using condoms is not 100% safe -- genital warts not covered by a condom can still transmit the virus, but condoms are still a crucial step to minimize risk for people who continue to be sexually active.
Being diagnosed with HPV does not mean that you can't have sex ever again! It is important to communicate with your sex partner(s) and give them information about HPV to make informed decisions about sexual activity. Telling a partner that you have HPV, or any other type of STI, can be a difficult and challenging experience. Some partners may react by needing some time to think about how this affects your relationship. Some partners may have a lot of questions, might want to get tested themselves, and might make the decision not to have sex for a while. It's completely normal to feel frustrated, depressed, angry, or guilty about having HPV -- most people diagnosed with an STI have the same concerns. But by taking care of your health, practicing safer sex, and informing yourself and your partners, you are taking all the necessary steps to minimize the risk of recurrences and transmitting the virus to others.
Can HPV infections be dangerous?
A small number of genital HPV strains are linked to cancers of the cervix, vulva, v****a, a**s, and p***s. But the strains of HPV that cause genital warts do not seem to be directly associated with the strains that cause cancer. However, since a person can acquire multiple strains of HPV, medical providers consider any case of genital warts to be a warning of potentially cancerous conditions.
Most people recover from HPV infections with no health problems at all. It's not known why some people develop long-term recurrent HPV infections, pre-cancerous abnormal cell changes, or cervical cancer. The symptoms of most genital HPV infections go away by themselves within 6 months. Many people develop immunity - a natural protection - against different types of HPV.
If a pregnant woman has ever had HPV in the past, she might experience a rapid growth of genital warts during her pregnancy because of the change in her hormone levels. This condition must be monitored closely especially during delivery because she can transmit the virus to her infant. If necessary, the medical provider can remove the warts before the birth to avoid excessive bleeding or a cesarean section may be necessary if the warts are likely to bleed heavily.
When a person's immune system is weakened by diabetes, an organ transplant, Hodgkin's disease, HIV/AIDS, or other serious health conditions, they might experience an increase in the size and number of genital warts, and they might experience more frequent recurrences.
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Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:49 am
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Gardasil Information (medical print-out from my old family doctor)
This information is not intended to be comprehensive or replace the advice of your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional with questions.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine - Injection
Uses: This medication is a vaccine used to prevent cervical cancer, genital warts, and abnormal tissue growth in the v****a/cervix that can lead to cancer in women. These conditions are typicalls caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccines work by increasing the body's natural defense against the virus.
This medication does not protect against all types of HPV, only the types in the vaccine. It is used to prevent the disease and will not treat active cervical cancer, genital warts, or other disases caused by the types of HPV in the vaccine.
How To Use: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your healthcare provider before being given this vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm by a heathcare professional. This vaccine must not be injected directly into a vein.
Before using, shake the medication well. It should be a white, cloudy liquid after shaking. Check the product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
This vaccine is given as three seperate doses. The second dose should be given 2 months after the first dose. The vaccination schedule should be followed closely for the vaccine to be most effective.
Side Effects: Redness, itching, swelling, bruising, and pain at the injection site may occur. Fever may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
- joint pain/swelling
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction including:
- rash
- itching
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions: Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or other vaccines; or if you have any other allergies.
Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- immune system problems (ie: HIV infection)
- bleeding disorders (ie: hemophilia, thrombocytopenia)
- current fever/illness
This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Contact your doctor for more details.
It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Contact your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions, and may already be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use, especialy of:
- blood thinners (ie: warfarin)
- cancer chemotherapy
- corticosteroids (ie: prednisone, dexamethasone)
- drugs that weaken the immune system (ie: cyclosporine, tacrolimus)
Overdose: Overdose with this vaccine is highly unlikely. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call a provincial poison control center.
Notes: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not fully protect everyone who receives it.
Getting this vaccine does not replace cervical cancer screening. Continue to have regular obstetrician/gynecologist checkups.
Missed Dosage: If you miss a dose in the vaccination schedule, contact your doctor immediately.
Storage: Store refrigerated between 36 - 46 degrees F (2 - 3 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
[Nikolita's note: So if you're going to see your doctor or go visit a walk-in clinic or wherever, make sure it's refrigerated until right before you use it. If you leave it out of a refrigerator for say, an hour or two, it's not safe to use anymore. Talk to your doctor for more information.]
~
Information last revised June 2006. Copyright 2006 First Databank, Inc.
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Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 12:45 am
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Other Gardasil Information (page brochure from People magazine)
A vaccine has been created that may help guard your daughter from 4 types of human papillomavirus. Those types may cause 70% of cervical cancer and 90% of genital warts cases. Gardasil will not treat these diseases. Gardasil works by reaching your daughter before the virus can - by protecting her.
Gardasil is for girls and young women ages 9 - 26. This vaccine is a part of your daughter's recommended vaccination schedule, but only a doctor or healthcare professional can decide if Gardasil is right for her. So ask your daughter's doctor or healthcare professional about getting her vaccinated with Gardasil - she could become one less life affected by cervical cancer.
Select Safety Information
Gardasil may not fully protect everyone and does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so future cervical cancer screenings will be important for your daughter. Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of Gardasil should not receive the vaccination, and Gardasil is not for women who are pregnant. Gardasil is given as 3 injections over 6 months, and can cause pain, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site, fever, nausea, and dizziness.
www.gardasil.com
~
Patient Information About Gardasil (pronounced "gard-AH-sill").
Generic Name: [Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus [Types 6, 11, 16, 18] Recombinant Vaccine]
Read this information with care before you or your child gets Gardasil. You or your child will need 3 doses of the vaccine. It is important to read this leaflet when you receive each dose. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your health care professional about Gardasil.
What Is Gardasil and What Is It Used For?
Gardasil is an vaccine (injection/shot) that helps protect against the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types in the vaccine (6, 11, 16, and 18 ):
- Cervical cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus or womb)
- Abnormal and precancerous cervical lesions
- Abnormal and precancerous vaginal lesions
- Abnormal and precancerous vulvar lesions
- Genital warts
Gardasil helps prevent these diseases - but it does not treat them.
You or your child cannot get these diseases from Gardasil.
What Other Key Information About Gardasil Should I Know?
- Vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Females who receive Gardasil should continue cervical cancer screening.
- As with all vaccines, Gardasil may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.
- Gardasil will not protect against diseases due to non-vaccine HPV types. There are more than 100 HPV types; Gardasil helps protect against 4 types (6, 11, 16, and 18 ). These 4 types have been selected for Gardasil because they cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of gential warts.
- This vaccine will not protect you against HPV types to which you may have already been exposed.
- Gardasil also will not protect against other diseases that are not caused by HPV.
- Gardasil works best when given before you or your child has had any contat with certain types of HPV (ie - HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 ).
Who Can Receive Gardasil?
Gardasil is for girls and women 9 through 26 years of age.
See "Who Should Not Receive Gardasil?" below.
Who Should Not Receive Gardasil?
Anyone who:
- is allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. A list of ingredients can be found at the end of this leaflet.
- has an allergic reaction after getting a dose of the vaccine.
What Should I Tell My Health Care Professional Before I Am Vaccinated/My Child Is Vaccinated With Gardasil?
It is very important to tell your health care professional if you or your child:
- has had an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
- has a bleeding disorder and cannot receive injections in the arm.
- has a weakened immune system; for example, due to a genetic defect or HIV infection.
- is pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Gardasil is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
- has any illness with a fever more than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C).
- takes or plans to take any medications, even though you can buy over the counter.
Your health care professional will decide if you or your child should receive the vaccine.
How is Gardasil Given?
Gardasil is given as an injection.
You or your child will receive 3 doses of the vaccine. Ideally the doses are given as:
- First dose: at a date you and your health care professional choose.
- Second dose: 2 months after the first dose.
- Third dose: 6 months after the first dose.
Make sure that you or your child gets all 3 doses. This allows you or your child to get the full benefits of Gardasil. If you or your child misses a dose, your health care professional will deicde when to give the missed dose.
What Are The Possible Side-Effects of Gardasil?
As with all vaccines, there may be some side effects with Gardasil. Gardasil has been shown to be generally well tolerated in women and girls as young as 9 years of age.
The most commonly reported side effects included:
- pain, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site.
- fever.
- nausea.
- dizziness.
Difficulty breathing (bronchospasm) has been reported very rarely.
If you or your child has any unusual or severe symptoms after receiving Gardasil, contact your health care professional right away.
For a more complete list of side effects, ask your health care professional.
What Are The Ingredients in Gardasil?
The main ingredients are purified inactive proteins that come from HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18.
It also contains amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, sodium chloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate, and water for injection.
What Are Cervical Cancer, Precancerous Lesions, And Genital Warts?
Cancer of the cervix is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. this disease is caused by certain HPV types that can cause the cells in the lining of the cervix to change from normal to precancerous lesions. If these are not treated, they can turn cancerous.
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. They often appear as skin-colored growths. They are found on the outside or inside of the genitals. They can hurt, itch, bleed, and cause discomfort. These lesions are usually not precancerous. Sometimes, it takes multiple treatments to eliminate these lesions.
(** Nikolita's Note: If you think you might have HPV, genital warts, or some other medical issue, you should see your doctor/gynocologist as soon as possible. Better to be safe than sorry.)
What Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
HPV is a common virus. In 2005, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had this virus. There are many different types of HPV; some cause no harm. Others can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people, the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away, it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type. See "What other key information about Gardasil should I know?"
Who is At Risk For Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
In 2005, the CDC estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime. A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact is at risk.
Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others and not know it.
Will Gardasil Help Me If I Already Have Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
You may benefit from Gardasil if you already have HPV. This is because most people are not infected with all 4 types of HPV contained in the vaccine. In clinical trials, individuals with current or past infection with one or more vaccine-related HPV types prior to vaccination were protected from disease caused by the remaining vaccine HPV types. Gardasil is not intended to be used for treatment for the above mentioned diseases. Talk to your health care professional for more information.
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This leaflet is a summary of information about Gardasil. If you would like more information, please talk to your health care professional or visit www.gardasil.com.
Issued October 2006 [I found the ad June 2007 in one of this month's People magazines.]
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Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 1:58 pm
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