Zostavax

Zostavax is a vaccine that is used for preventing shingles in people age 60 and over. The medicine is a live but weakened version of the varicella-zoster virus that causes the body to produce an immune system response to the virus. Zostavax is given as a single injection, just under the skin. Potential side effects of Zostavax include headaches and injection site reactions.

 

What Is Zostavax?

Zostavax® (shingles vaccine) is a single-dose vaccine used to prevent shingles in people 60 years old and older. It is not used to treat an active case of shingles.
 
(Click Zostavax Uses for more information on what Zostavax is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Zostavax?

Zostavax is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
 

How Does Zostavax Work?

Shingles is caused by a virus, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The initial infection of varicella-zoster virus causes a case of chickenpox. After the case of chickenpox, the virus never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again (which usually occurs as people age and their immune systems are less able to suppress the virus). Zostavax is a live (but weakened) version of the varicella-zoster virus. Zostavax causes the body to produce an immune system response to the virus, which helps prevent shingles.
 

Zostavax Effects

Like most vaccines, Zostavax is not 100 percent effective at preventing shingles. Studies have shown than overall, giving Zostavax to people age 60 years and older reduces the chance of shingles by about 50 percent. Like most vaccines, Zostavax is less effective when given to older individuals whose immune systems are less able to produce a response. In people 60 to 69 years old, Zostavax prevented 64 percent of cases of shingles, while in people over the age of 80 years old, the drug prevented only 18 percent of shingles cases.
 
Even when Zostavax does not prevent shingles, it seems to reduce the complications that can occur from a case of shingles, such as chronic pain ("postherpetic neuralgia"), scarring, vision problems, and other problems.
 

When and How to Take Zostavax

General considerations for when and how to take Zostavax include the following:
 
  • Zostavax is given as a single injection, just under the skin of the upper arm.
     
  • It does not matter if you receive your Zostavax injection on a full or empty stomach.
     
  • Zostavax has been studied to help prevent shingles for up to four years. At this time, it is not known if "booster" vaccines will be necessary.
     
  • If your healthcare provider recommends it, you may get your flu vaccine at the same visit.
     
  • Let your healthcare provider know if you are sick or not feeling well before the vaccine, as it may be best to postpone it until you are feeling better.
     

Zostavax Dosing Information

There is only one standard way to dose Zostavax, regardless of your age, weight, or medical conditions.
 
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Zostavax Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Zostavax

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Zostavax. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Zostavax include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Injection site reactions, such as redness, pain, swelling, bruising, or itching
  • Headaches.
     
(Click Zostavax Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Zostavax

Zostavax can interact with a few other medications (see Zostavax Drug Interactions).
 

Zostavax: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Zostavax if you:
 
  • Have a weakened immune system, caused by HIV, AIDS, cancer, or other problems
  • Have had a reaction to a vaccine in the past
  • Are allergic to neomycin or gelatin
  • Have an active tuberculosis infection
  • Have any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Zostavax Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Zostavax Overdose

A Zostavax overdose is unlikely, since each vial of Zostavax contains just one dose. It is not known what to expect from an overdose with Zostavax.
 

Zostavax: Storage Methods

Your healthcare provider must store Zostavax in the freezer before it is mixed. After it is mixed, it should be given within 30 minutes.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Zostavax?

Currently, there is no generic version of Zostavax licensed for sale (see Generic Zostavax).
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;