Gardasil is a vaccine used to prevent cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancer, genital warts and other precancerous genital lesions caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in females aged 9 to 26, eMedTV.com states. It has also been approved to prevent genital warts in males of the same age. There are other strains of HPV that the vaccine does not protect against. Not everyone is a good candidate for the Gardasil vaccine, as suggested by the contraindications.
Drug Interactions
The use of blood thinners (anticoagulants) when receiving the Gardasil vaccine may lead to a drug interaction. Such anticoagulants include dalteparin, enoxaprin, heparin or warfarin, eMedTV.com suggests. The reaction of the vaccine and such drugs can lead to increased bleeding at the site of injection, which may not be serious when monitored closely. Immunosuppressants, receiving other vaccines and the use of corticosteroids also increase the risk of a drug interaction. Immunosuppressants can interfere with the vaccine enough to make it ineffective. By introducing the inactivated HPV virus to the immune system, the body is able to fight the virus and create antibodies. Immunosuppressants will prevent the building of antibodies, leaving the individual susceptible to the virus with future exposure. Tell your doctor all drugs, vitamins or minerals that you have been taking in order to reduce the risk of interaction.
Health Conditions
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with a doctor before receiving the Gardasil vaccine. It has been labeled a Category B medicine, meaning it can be safe during pregnancy but it is not recommended until the risks are fully understood. The vaccine may pass through breast milk to a baby, but the risks of this are not fully understood. It is best to discuss the possible risks with a doctor to decide if the potential risks outweigh the benefit of the vaccine.
Individuals with immune deficiencies may not receive the full benefit of the vaccine. This is true for HIV, AIDS or cancer patients or people using immune-suppressing medications, Drugs.com explains.
Allergy
The risk of allergic reaction with Gardasil is minimal but possible. The content in the vaccine that is most likely to cause the reaction is wheat. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lip swelling, tongue swelling or throat swelling. This condition can be serious and should be reported to a doctor.
