Cervarix

Generic Name: Human papilloma virus vaccine, recombinant
Product Name: Cervarix

Indication

Cervarix is a vaccine for human papilloma virus (HPV). It is used in the prevention of cervical cancer for women between 10 and 45 years of age.

Action

The primary cause of cervical cancer and most precursor lesions is persistant infection with oncogenic HPV types; of these, HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70% of invasive cervical cancers.Cervarix is prepared from non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) of the major L1 protein of HPV types 16 and 18. Since VLPs contain no viral DNA, they cannot infect cells or reproduce. VLPs are thought to work by inducing a humoral immune response.

Dose advice

Cervarix is only available through prescription. It is given by intramuscular injection:

• Injections are to be given at 0, 1 and 6 months.
• The second dose may be given between 1 and 2.5 months after the initial dose.
• The necessity of the third (booster) dose has not yet been established.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

• injection site pain – mild to moderate (78%)
• swelling, redness
• fatigue
• fever
• headache
• gastrointestinal upset (nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain)
• itching / pruritis
• rash
• urticaria
• myalgia
• arthralgia

Uncommon side effects

• upper respiratory tract infection
• dizziness
• local paraesthesia

References

1. MIMS Online. Cervarix. [cited 2007 October 16]. MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2007.

For further information talk to your doctor.