What is Gardasil 9? Uses, warnings & side effects
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It can cause genital warts and certain types of cancers. Gardasil 9 is a vaccine used in people ages 9 to 45 years of age to prevent various conditions caused by nine types of HPV. This includes 90% of cancers caused by HPV. Gardasil 9, made by Merck & Co., is the only HPV vaccine available in the United States. A healthcare provider will inject this vaccine into a muscle of the upper arm or thigh.
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Gardasil 9 overview
BRAND NAMES:
Gardasil 9
Generic Names:
No generic available
Uses:
Gardasil 9 helps prevent genital warts and cancer of the anus, cervix, vagina, vulva, oropharyngeal (mouth and throat), or head and neck, which may be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Gardasil 9 does not treat or cure genital warts or cancers caused by HPV infection.
Therapeutic Classes:
Vaccine
Forms:
Injectable
How it’s taken:
Injection by a healthcare provider
What is Gardasil 9 used for?
Gardasil 9 is used to prevent conditions caused by nine types of HPV, including:
Anogenital warts
Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in females
Penile cancer in males
Anal cancer in males and females
Cancer of the tonsils, base of the tongue, and back of the throat in males and females
Gardasil 9 prevents diseases caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, but does not prevent diseases or conditions caused by other types of HPV.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all preteens be vaccinated, so that they are protected from HPV infections for life. Gardasil 9 is recommended to be given at ages 11 to 12 years old, but it may be started as early as 9 years of age. Additionally, teenagers and young adults (up to 26 years of age) who have not started the vaccine (or have not received all recommended doses) should be vaccinated. Some adults, ages 27 to 45 years of age, depending on risk, may benefit from this vaccine. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Key takeaways
Gardasil 9 is given by a healthcare provider in a series of two or three shots. Be sure to receive all recommended doses of vaccine in order to be fully protected.
Gardasil 9 does not replace visits to your healthcare provider—or any tests or exams, such as a pelvic exam. It is still essential to keep all appointments with your provider.
Some people have fainted after receiving the Gardasil 9 vaccine. Your healthcare provider may advise you to sit or lie down for about 15 minutes after your vaccine.
If you have a severe allergic reaction to Gardasil 9, you should not get another dose. Consult your healthcare provider.
What form(s) does Gardasil 9 come in?
Injectable
Single-dose vial
Single-dose prefilled syringe
What are common Gardasil 9 dosages?
Your healthcare provider will advise you on a dosing schedule. Be sure to keep all appointments so that you or your child can be fully protected.
For individuals 9 years through 14 years old:
Two-dose schedule: The second injection is given 6 to 12 months after the first injection. If the second injection is given less than 5 months after the first injection, a third injection will be required. The third dose should be administered at least 4 months after the second injection.
Three-dose schedule: After the first injection, a second injection is given 2 months later. The third injection is given 6 months after the first injection.
For individuals 15 years through 45 years old:
Gardasil 9 is administered on a 3-dose schedule. After the first injection, a second injection is given two months later. The third injection is given 6 months after the first injection.
Gardasil 9 images - What does Gardasil 9 look like?
Gardasil 9
0.5ml of 0.5ml syringeGardasil 9
0.5ml of 0.5ml vial
How to take Gardasil 9
Your doctor will tell you (or your child) when to get the injection and when to return for the next appointment. This vaccine is given as a shot into a muscle of the upper arm or upper leg.
This vaccine is given in two or three doses. Your healthcare provider will advise you of the schedule.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about Gardasil 9.
What to do if you miss a dose of Gardasil 9
This vaccine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss your scheduled shot, call your doctor as soon as possible to make another appointment.
Gardasil 9 contraindications - Who shouldn't take Gardasil 9?
You should also not receive a Gardasil 9 injection if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to Gardasil (which is no longer available in the US) or Gardasil 9.
If you have severe allergies and/or an allergy to yeast, consult your healthcare provider before getting Gardasil 9.
If you have a mild illness, you can still receive the vaccine. However, if you are moderately or severely ill, you should wait to get the vaccine until you feel better.
Gardasil 9 warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have a weak immune system, or if you are allergic to latex.
This vaccine will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases that HPV does not cause, such as HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or trichomoniasis.
You may feel faint, lightheaded, or dizzy right after you receive this vaccine. Your doctor may ask you to wait 15 minutes before standing up.
You still need to see your doctor for routine screening tests (such as pelvic exams and pap smears) even after you receive this vaccine.
Gardasil 9 interactions & what to avoid when taking Gardasil 9
Some medicines can affect how this vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any treatment that weakens the immune system, including cancer medicine, radiation treatment, or a steroid.
Gardasil 9 side effects - How does Gardasil 9 make you feel?
Some people have had fainting and seizure-type reactions from Gardasil 9. Your healthcare provider will observe you for about 15 minutes after the injection to ensure you do not have any immediate reactions. If you have an allergic reaction during this time, the healthcare provider will be able to treat you in the office or clinic.
After leaving the office or clinic, if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, you should call 911 and go to the emergency room.
Serious side effects
Allergic reaction
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Less serious side effects
Headache, tiredness
Pain, redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site
Mild fever
Stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Cough
Sources:
Gardasil 9, DailyMed, National Library of Medicine (2023)
Gardasil 9, PDR
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (2021)
Genital HPV infection - basic fact sheet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022)
Questions about HPV vaccine safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: What everyone should know, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021)
Gardasil 9, Merck (2023)
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