What is Rotarix: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Rotarix

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this vaccine. It is given by mouth.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: This vaccine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If your child misses a scheduled dose, call right away for another appointment.

What to do if you miss a dose of Rotarix

Rotarix contraindications

• This vaccine is not right for every child. Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has had an allergic reaction to live rotavirus vaccine, has severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), has a history of intussusception (a serious bowel problem), or was born with digestive problems that may cause intussusception, including a blocked bowel.

Rotarix warnings

• Tell your child's doctor if your child has a weak immune system, HIV or AIDS, cancer, or has received a blood transfusion or blood products within the past 6 weeks. Tell your child's doctor if your child spends time with a person who has immune system problems or is receiving cancer treatment.

• Tell your child's doctor if your child has diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever. Your doctor may wait until your child is well before giving him the vaccine.

• The vaccine applicator may contain natural latex rubber. Tell your child's doctor if your child has had an allergic reaction to latex rubber.

• The vaccine may not protect every child who receives it from rotavirus infection.

Rotarix interactions

• Some medicines can affect how live rotavirus vaccine works. Tell your child's doctor if your child is receiving a treatment that may weaken the immune system, including steroid medicine (including cortisone, methylprednisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone), radiation treatment, or medicine to treat cancer.

• Tell your child's doctor if your child has diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever. Your doctor may wait until your child is well before giving him the vaccine.

• The vaccine applicator may contain natural latex rubber. Tell your child's doctor if your child has had an allergic reaction to latex rubber.

• The vaccine may not protect every child who receives it from rotavirus infection.