Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine (Intramuscular)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 27, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Prevnar 20

In Canada

• Prevnar

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine

Uses for pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection caused by certain types of pneumococcal bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae). It works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.

Pneumococcal infection can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia (which affects the lungs), meningitis (which affects the brain), bacteremia (which is a severe infection in the blood).

This vaccine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Before using pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine

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 pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine 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 Prevnar 20™ in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Prevnar 20™ in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

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. When you are receiving this vaccine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Pneumococcal 13-Valent Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate
• Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

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 in...