Cervarix
Generic name:human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, bivalent [ HYOO-man-pap-il-OH-ma-VI-rus-vax-EEN, bye-VAY-lent ]
Drug class:Viral vaccines
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 24, 2020.
The Cervarix brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
What is Cervarix?
Cervarix vaccine is used in girls and young women ages 9 through 25 to prevent cervical cancer caused by certain types of HPV (types 16 and 18).
Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause genital warts, cancer of the cervix, anal cancer, and various cancers of the vulva or vagina.
Cervarix is used only in females. Other HPV vaccines (Gardasil and Gardasil 9) are used in both females and males. This medication guide provides information only for Cervarix.
You may receive Cervarix even if you have already had a positive HPV test or abnormal pap smear in the past. However, this vaccine will not treat HPV-related cancers, and it will not cure HPV infection.
Cervarix only prevents diseases caused by HPV types 16 and 18. It will not prevent diseases caused by other types of HPV.
Cervarix is for use only in females, but other available HPV vaccines can be used in males. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccine for all boys and girls ages 11 or 12 years old. The vaccine is also recommended in teenage boys and girls who have not already received the vaccine or have not completed all booster shots.
Like any vaccine, the Cervarix may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
You may feel faint after receiving Cervarix. Some people have had seizure-like reactions after receiving this vaccine.
Before receiving this medicine
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
To make sure Cervarix is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a weak immune system;
an allergic to latex rubber; or
if you are being treated with cancer medicine, steroids, or other drugs that can weaken your immune system.
Cervarix is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether human papillomavirus vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Cervarix will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
How is Cervarix vaccine given?
Cervarix is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle in your upper arm. You will receive this injection in a docto...
