The Human Papillomavirus quadrivalent vaccine, trade name Gardasil, is a vaccination offered to women between the ages of nine and 26 years of age for the prevention of cervical cancer, genital warts, and certain vaginal cancers and cervical lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Like most medications, the use of Gardasil carries some risk including non-serious events such as pain, fainting, nausea and swelling at the injection site. There is also the potential for severe reactions when using Gardasil.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre syndrome has been reported in patients who have taken Gardasil, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC goes on to state that Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs in one to two out of every 100,000 people in their teenage years. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disorder in which the immune system begins to attack the body's nerves. This illness often starts out with a feeling of weakness or numbness in the extremities, but may quickly progress to complete paralysis. There is no treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but physicians treat the symptoms as they occur including respiratory depression and bladder and bowel dysfunctions. MayoClinic.com explains that Guillain-Barre syndrome commonly resolves on its own, but there is a possibility that patients may suffer serious permanent injury such as sensation and coordination problems, a relapse of Guillain-Barre syndrome and death from complications such as respiratory distress and heart problems.
Deaths
As of May 31, 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported 53 deaths among females in the United States who received the Gardasil vaccination. Of these 53 deaths, 29 have been confirmed and 24 remain unconfirmed due to lack of patient identifiers. The FDA states that there has been no proof that Gardasil caused these deaths and that they, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, still approve the use of Gardasil for vaccination against these specific types of HPV.
Allergic Reaction
Like all medications, there is a potential for allergic reaction while taking Gardasil. Allergic reactions can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, rash and hives. The FDA warns that an allergic reaction is a potentially life-threatening situation and patients should seek medical attention if they exhibit any unusual symptoms even months after taking the medication.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Reports of Health Concerns Following HPV Vaccination
- Food and Drug Administration: Vaccines, Blood and Biologics-Gardasil
- MayoClinic.com: Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Food and Drug Administration: Gardasil-Patient Information Sheet
- Food and Drug Administration: Gardasil Vaccine Safety
