Prevenar 13 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine (13-Valent, Adsorbed))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Prevenar 13 Used For?
Prevenar 13 is a vaccine designed to help protect individuals from infections caused by specific strains of bacteria known as Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Primary Uses
It protects against diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, otitis media, and bacteraemia caused by 13 different strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
How It Works
The vaccine works by preparing the body's immune system to recognize and fight the bacteria before an infection occurs.
Good to know: Prevenar 13 is not made with live bacteria, so you cannot catch the diseases it protects against from the vaccine.
Continue Reading
Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.
How to Take Prevenar 13
Prevenar 13 is administered as an injection by a healthcare professional.
Dosage Instructions
The standard dose for children aged 6-17 years and adults is a single 0.5 mL injection. For children under 5, the number of doses varies based on age, typically requiring three or four doses.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If a dose is missed, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on rescheduling.
Important: Never attempt to double dose if a dose is missed.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Tenderness or pain at the injection site
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint or muscle pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing
- High fever (over 39°C) in children
- Seizures or convulsions
- Temporary breathing interruptions in premature infants
Important Warnings
Certain precautions must be taken before receiving Prevenar 13.
Who Should Not Take Prevenar 13
Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to pneumococcal or diphtheria vaccines, or any components of the vaccine should not receive it.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have any bleeding disorders, are undergoing anti-cancer therapy, or have conditions affecting your immune response.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Special considerations may be necessary for elderly patients, particularly those with dementia.
Drug Interactions
Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, as some may affect how Prevenar 13 works.
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Prevenar 13 affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned, but consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Driving and Operating Machinery
While Prevenar 13 has negligible effects on driving, some side effects may temporarily impair your ability.
Storage
Store Prevenar 13 in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze.
Overdose Information
An overdose is unlikely as Prevenar 13 is administered by a healthcare professional. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prevenar 13 helps prepare the immune system to fight infections, but the exact time for immunity to develop can vary.
Food does not affect the efficacy of Prevenar 13, but consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Prevenar 13 is a vaccine and is not addictive.
As a vaccine, Prevenar 13 is not something you take regularly, so there is no concern about stopping suddenly.
There are no specific warnings against alcohol consumption with Prevenar 13, but consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Weight gain is not listed as a side effect of Prevenar 13.
Elderly patients should consult their healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for them, especially if they have dementia.
If you miss a dose, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on rescheduling.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.