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PRIORIX-TETRA (MMRV Vaccine)

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Generic Name: Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella vaccine live
Product Name: PRIORIX-TETRA

Indication

PRIORIX-TETRA is used to prevent measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and varicella (chicken pox). The vaccine is sometimes called MMRV vaccine.

Action

PRIORIX-TETRA works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella which are all infectious diseases caused by viruses.

Dose advice

Dose information

How PRIORIX-TETRA is given

PRIORIX-TETRA comes as a powder which is mixed with sterile water before it is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into upper leg muscle for babies under 12 months or into the upper arm muscle for babies over 12 months, older children and adults. PRIORIX-TETRA should never be given into a vein.

It is recommended that you remain in the clinic for approximately 15 mins after receiving the injection as there is a risk of allergic reactions occurring and this can include rashes that may be itchy or blistering, swelling of the eyes and face, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

Dose


PRIORIX-TETRA is generally given as a single 0.5mL dose.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate time and number of doses required based upon official recommendations. If your child misses a scheduled dose, talk to your doctor or nurse and arrange another visit as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about PRIORIX-TETRA, ask your doctor.

Contraindications

PRIORIX-TETRA is not recommended if you are:

  • Pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next three months;
  • Have had an allergic reaction to a previous measles, mumps, rubella and/or varicella vaccines;
  • Have an allergy to any ingredients that are contained in the PRIORIX-TETRA vaccine;
  • If your child has an allergy to neomycin;
  • If you child has had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or anything containing eggs;
  • If you or your child have a lowered immunity (impaired immune response);
  • If you or your child currently have a severe infection with a high temperature.

If you are not sure, talk to your doctor.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you:

  • Are scheduled for a tuberculin skin test for tuberculosis (TB) as PRIORIX-TETRA may affect the results;
  • If you or your child had had a previous allergic reaction to PRIORIX-TETRA, another MMR or MMRV vaccine or any ingredient contained in the vaccine;
  • If you or your child has had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or anything containing eggs;
  • If you or your child has a severe infection with a high temperature;
  • If you or your child have received another vaccine in the last month;
  • If you or your child has received an blood or plasma transfusion, or been given gamma globulin or other immunoglobulin within the last 3 months;
  • If you or your child are taking any prescription or OTC (over the counter) medicines;
  • If you or your child have fainted with a previous injection;
  • If you or your child has a skin allergy to neomycin or any medications or substances such as dyes, foods or preservatives;
  • If you have a history or family history of allergic diseases, fits or seizures;
  • If you have a bleeding disorder
  • If you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant in the next 3 months or breastfeeding;

Other medications

Tell your doctor if you or your child are taking any prescription or OTC (over the counter medication) or have received another vaccine within the last month. This is important as some vaccines and other medication may affect PRIORIX-TETRA.


Pregnancy

PRIORIX-TETRA should not be given to pregnant women. It is recommended that women should avoid becoming pregnant for three months after the vaccine has been given.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether PRIORIX-TETRA affects breast milk. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits of vaccination.

Storage

PRIORIX-TETRA is stored in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C at the clinic or surgery where you are being treated.

Schedule

PRIORIX-TETRA is a Schedule S4 (prescription only) medication.

Side effects

All medicines can have side effects. Most commonly the side effects are minor; however, some can be more serious. Usually the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the associated side effects. Your doctor would have considered these side effects before giving you the PRIORIX-TETRA injection.

Very common side effects

Very common side effects are those that occur in more than 10% of people given the PRIORIX-TETRA vaccine. These include:

  • Pain and redness at the injection site;
  • Fever.

Common side effects

Common side effects are those that occur in 1–10% of people given the PRIORIX-TETRA vaccine. These include:


  • Swelling at the injection site;
  • Fever;
  • Rash with spots and/or blisters;
  • Irritability.

Uncommon side effects

Side effects that occur in less than 1% of people given the PRIORIX-TETRA vaccine are considered uncommon:

  • Lack of energy, tiredness (fatigue) or feeling generally unwell;
  • Crying;
  • Nervousness or inability to sleep;
  • Loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea;
  • Runny nose;
  • Upper respiratory tract infection;
  • Swollen glands in the cheek, neck, armpit or groin.

Rare side effects

Rare side effects are those that occur in 0.01–0.1% of people given the PRIORIX-TETRA vaccine. These include:

  • Seizures with fever;
  • Coughing or bronchitis;
  • Middle ear infection.

 

If you experience any of the listed side effects, or any other symptoms that appear abnormal or unusual, tell your doctor. Do not try to treat side effects by using other medicines.

Related Documents

pdf download CMI

 

 

More information

Doctor giving a child an intramuscular injection in arm, shallow DOFFor more information on the vaccines available to protect against Measles, Mumps and Rubella, as well as the administration, side effects and components of each vaccine, see Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine.

References

  1. Consumer Medical Information. PRIORIX-TETRA, Abbotsford, VIC: GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd; 23 October 2014.

 

Diseases prevented by this vaccine:


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Dates

Posted On: 30 May, 2015
Modified On: 20 October, 2015

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