GENERIC NAME: MENINGOCOCCAL OLIGOSACCHARIDE VACCINE - INJECTION (men-ING-oh-cock-al oh-lig-oh-SAC-car-ide)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This vaccine helps protect against serious infection (e.g., meningitis, bacteria in the blood) due to certain bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis group C).

HOW TO USE: After mixing, gently shake the vial before using. This medication is given by injection into a muscle (IM) by a health care professional. This medication should not be injected directly into a vein (IV). Children older than 12 months, teenagers, and adults usually receive the injection in the upper arm and infants receive it in the upper thigh muscle. Children older than 12 months, teenagers, and adults receive a single dose. Infants 2 to 12 months old receive 3 doses. Each dose should be given at least one month apart. Taking a fever/pain-reducing medication (e.g., acetaminophen) may be needed to help treat common side effects (e.g., fever, pain at injection site). This medication should not be mixed with other vaccines in the same syringe.

SIDE EFFECTS: Most common is pain, redness or swelling at the injection site that may last 1-3 days. Irritability, change in appetite, fever, headache, unusual fatigue, muscle pain, crying, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fainting. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: numbness and tingling of hands or feet, seizures. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.