Gardasil is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is commonly transmitted through genital or anogenital contact. Gardasil protects against four types of HPVs: types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Types 6 and 11 are the common causes of genital warts and types 16 and 18 are two high-risk types that can lead to the development of cervical cancer. It is recommended for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26. Gardasil does not treat HPV and HPV-related cancers. Like all drugs and vaccines, Gardasil has several side effects associated with it.
Injection Site Reactions
Gardasil is given intramuscularly in the deltoid (upper arm) or thigh and includes 3 doses of 0.5 milliliters each. The first dose is given on the chosen date, the second dose is adminsterted 2 months after the first one, and the third one is administered 6 months after the first one. Gardasil is capable of causing injection site reactions. One reaction is pain at the site of the injection and occurs in 84 percent of individuals. Swelling, redness, and rash-like symptoms may develop in up to 25 percent of people.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects that can occur in up to 4 percent of individuals when Gardasil was given include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, do not operate a vehicle or engage in activities that require alertness. To avoid the gastrointestinal effects, eat small, frequent meals; you can chew gum or suck on candy to help with the nausea.
Fever and Headache
Two major side effects of Gardasil include fever and headache. Fever can occur in 10 to 13 percent of people; this does not indicate an infection and there is no need to be alarmed. Headache may be associated with fever and may occur in up to 28 percent of people.
Fainting
Fainting is common with Gardasil and occurs more often in preteens. It is important to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after getting each of the shots in order to avoid an injury due to a fall.
References
- Gardasil; Gardasil Side Effects
- "Drug Information Handbook 15th Edition"; Charles F. Lacy, RPh, PharmD, FCSHP, Lora L. Armstrong, RPh, PharmD, BCPS, et al; 2006
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HPV Vaccine Information For Young Women
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