Zostavax is a vaccine that can be given to help prevent shingles in people 60 years old and older. This eMedTV article describes how Zostavax works, lists possible side effects of the drug, and explains what you should know before getting the vaccine.
Common Zostavax side effects may include redness or swelling at the injection site, headaches, and fever. This eMedTV page lists other side effects that may occur, including potentially serious problems that should be reported to a doctor right away.
Zostavax is used for the prevention of shingles in people who are 60 years old and older. This page from the eMedTV Web site discusses Zostavax uses in more detail and explains how the vaccine works to prevent shingles.
Your Zostavax dosage will be given as a single injection, just under the skin on the upper arm. This eMedTV resource contains other Zostavax dosing information and explains what you should know before getting your injection.
Immune globulins, immunosuppressants, and other vaccines may cause Zostavax drug interactions. This eMedTV article lists specific immunosuppressants that may interact with Zostavax and explains what may happen when these drugs are taken together.
If you have an active tuberculosis infection, you should wait to get a Zostavax vaccination. This eMedTV segment includes other important Zostavax warnings and precautions, and provides a list of certain people who should not get the vaccine.
At this time, no human or animal studies have been conducted on Zostavax and pregnancy. This selection from eMedTV Web site discusses the potential complications that may occur if Zostavax is used during pregnancy.
Zostavax is generally not recommended for breastfeeding women. As this eMedTV Web page explains, since no studies have been conducted on Zostavax and breastfeeding, it is not known whether the drug passes through breast milk to nursing infants.
Zostavax is currently under a set of laws that prevent a generic version from being manufactured. This eMedTV article discusses why generic Zostavax products are not allowed to be manufactured and explains when generic "biologics" may be available.
