Gardasil, also known as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, is an injection used to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Gardasil is given as three injections over a period of 6 months and is available to females as young as 11 years old. The CDC states that 1 percent of sexually active women have genital warts and that 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the United States. Before you obtain the Gardasil vaccine, you should know about its potential side effects.
Allergic Reaction
You may experience an allergic reaction to the Gardasil vaccine. According to Drugs.com, users may experience problems breathing, hives (red itchy bumps on the skin) and swelling of the face, throat or lips.
Common Side Effects
According to the CDC, common side effects of Gardasil injection include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. You may also feel nauseous and develop a headache or fever. At times, fainting may occur, and you may fall and seriously injure your head. Dizziness, indigestion, sore throat, cough and joint or muscle pain are also common side effects, according to Drugs.com.
Serious Side Effects
The CDC states that some side effects warrant immediate medical attention. Harmful side effects include Guillain-Barre syndrome (condition characterized by ascending paralysis) and blood clots in the legs, lung or heart. According to the CDC, 44 deaths are to blame as a result of Gardasil vaccination as of September 1, 2009.
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