Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant
About Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant
Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant is a preventive vaccine used to protect against cervical cancer and precancerous cervical lesions caused by specific types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV types 16 and 18. In India, this bivalent HPV vaccine is available under the brand name Cervarix. It works by preparing your immune system to recognise and fight these HPV types before they can cause infection and abnormal cell changes. This vaccine is strictly preventive and cannot treat an existing HPV infection or active cervical disease.
For the best protection, this vaccine should be given as a complete series according to your age and the schedule recommended by your healthcare provider. Vaccination is ideally started at 9–14 years of age, before exposure to HPV, because protection is greatest when the vaccine is given before infection occurs. Cervarix is indicated for females from 9 to 45 years of age, while catch-up vaccination through 26 years is commonly recommended when earlier vaccination was missed. Vaccination after 26 years may also be considered up to 45 years based on individual circumstances and medical advice.
Because this vaccine is given by injection, there are no food restrictions associated with its use. Supporting your overall health with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and avoiding smoking can support your general health and cervical health after vaccination.
Most people tolerate this vaccine well, although mild and temporary reactions can occur. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and mild fever. Serious allergic reactions are rare, but seek medical attention promptly if you develop symptoms such as swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing.
Do not receive this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, a weakened immune system, or are taking medicines that suppress the immune system. Vaccination should be postponed if you have an acute severe illness with fever. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor before vaccination, as vaccination should be postponed during pregnancy.
Uses of Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant
Medicinal Benefits
This vaccine offers preventive protection against important cancer-causing HPV types and can reduce the risk of HPV-related cervical disease.
Helps reduce the risk of cervical cancer: By preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18, the vaccine can reduce the risk of developing precancerous cervical changes that may later progress to cervical cancer.
Provides long-lasting immune protection: Vaccination helps the immune system develop antibodies that can recognise HPV types 16 and 18 if exposure occurs in the future.
May provide some cross-protection: In addition to HPV types 16 and 18, clinical studies have shown cross-protection against some other high-risk types. Consistent cross-protection has been observed against HPV types 31, 33, and 45, although the vaccine is not designed specifically to protect against these types.
May reduce the need for treatment of precancerous cervical changes: By lowering the risk of high-grade cervical lesions, vaccination can reduce the likelihood of needing procedures such as cervical biopsies or treatments for precancerous lesions later in life.
Directions for Use
- Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant is administered in a series of 3 doses according to the following schedule: 0, 1, and 6 months or as advised by the doctor.
- Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant is administered by the doctor or nurse in a healthcare setting.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Tiredness or mild fatigue
- Mild fever
- Nausea or other mild stomach symptoms
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness or fainting after the injection
- Any other severe or unusual reaction following vaccination
Drug Warnings
- Take a short rest after your injection: Sit or lie down for about 15 minutes after vaccination because fainting can occasionally occur after injections, particularly in adolescents.
- Let your doctor know about bleeding problems: Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, such as haemophilia, or take blood-thinning medicines because an injection into the muscle may cause more bruising or bleeding.
- Tell your doctor about previous allergies: Do not receive the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any ingredient in the vaccine. A severe allergic reaction to a component of the vaccine is a contraindication.
- Postpone vaccination during a severe illness: If you have an acute severe illness with fever, vaccination should usually be postponed until you recover. A minor infection, such as a common cold, is not generally a reason to delay vaccination.
- Keep your vaccination record handy: Record each vaccination date so you and your healthcare provider can keep track of the doses you have received.
- Remember that vaccination does not replace screening: Continue cervical screening according to your doctor's advice even after completing the vaccine series because the vaccine does not cover every cancer-causing HPV type.
Drug Interactions
- Medicines that suppress the immune system (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine, ciclosporin): These medicines may reduce the immune response to Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant, which may make the vaccine less effective. Tell your doctor if you are receiving immunosuppressive treatment.
- Other vaccines (e.g., hepatitis B vaccine, Tdap-IPV vaccine): Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant can be given at the same time as certain other vaccines, but separate injection sites should be used. Your healthcare provider will decide the appropriate vaccination schedule.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Your doctor will prescribe Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited data on the use of Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant during breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider to assess risks and benefits.
Driving
safe if prescribedHuman Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
consult your doctorConsult your doctor if you have liver impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.
Kidney
consult your doctorConsult your doctor if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.
Children
cautionHuman Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant should not be used in children under nine years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep up with regular cervical screening: Continue recommended cervical screening even after receiving Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant because the vaccine does not protect against every HPV type that can cause cervical cancer.
- Eat a balanced diet: Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, nuts, and other nutritious foods to support your overall health and immune function.
- Avoid smoking: Tobacco use can weaken the cervix's natural ability to fight infection and is associated with a higher risk of cervical cell changes progressing towards cancer.
- Practise safer sex: Barrier methods can reduce the risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections, although they cannot completely prevent HPV transmission.
Special Advise
Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant may cause syncope (temporary loss of consciousness), which can lead to a fall with injuries, therefore, it is recommended to observe the patient for 15 minutes following the injection.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cervical cancer: Cervical cancer is a cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. It is caused by exposure to specific high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) strains. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, and pain in the lower back, between hip bones (pelvis), or in the lower tummy.
FAQs
Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant is used in females over 9 to 25 years of age to prevent cervical cancer and precancerous lesions in the genital area (cervix, vulva, vagina or anus). It protects against the diseases caused by oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18, including cervical cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 2 or worse, adenocarcinoma in situ (early-stage cancer cells that are confined to the lining of the cervix), and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1.
Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant contains human papillomavirus (HPV) bivalent type 16 type 18. It stimulates the body's immune response, resulting in the generation of of antibodies against HPV types 16 and 18. This immune response helps prevent HPV infection and reduces the risk of HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancers.
The common side effects of Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant are fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, tiredness, myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (pain in one or more joints), stomach pain, and redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant and nursing women. Inform your doctor before receiving Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or plan to have a baby. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
No, Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant may not be effective against all types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant protects against HPV types 16 and 18.
Females aged nine to twenty-five years can get vaccinated with Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant to prevent cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18.
Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant is not recommended to use in children less than nine years of age. Therefore, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Store Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2ºC to 8ºC. Do not freeze. Store in original package to protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
No. Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant is a preventive vaccine. It helps prevent new infections with the HPV types covered by the vaccine, but it cannot treat or cure an HPV infection that is already present, abnormal cervical cells, or cervical cancer.
Yes. Being sexually active does not automatically mean that vaccination will provide no benefit. The vaccine can still protect you against vaccine HPV types that you have not previously encountered. However, it does not treat an HPV infection that you already have.
Yes. You should continue regular cervical screening as recommended by your doctor. The vaccine does not protect against every HPV type that can cause cervical cancer, so vaccination and screening work together to reduce risk.
Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant is given as an intramuscular injection, usually into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm, by a qualified healthcare professional. Cervarix is given as 2 doses in people who start vaccination at 9–14 years and 3 doses when vaccination starts at 15 years or older.
Contact your healthcare provider or vaccination clinic to arrange the next dose. You generally do not need to restart the entire series because the missed dose can be given later to complete the vaccination course.
No. Human Papillomavirus Bivalent Vaccine Recombinant contains non-infectious virus-like particles and does not contain the viral DNA needed to cause an HPV infection. It therefore cannot cause HPV infection or cervical cancer.
Cervarix provides long-lasting immune protection, and studies have shown persistent immune responses for many years. However, the exact duration of protection and the need for booster doses have not been fully established. Follow your doctor's advice and current vaccination recommendations.
