GARDASIL

Abnormal cervical cells

Abnormal cervical cells are cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance. The more severe the cervical abnormality, the more likely it is that cervical cancer could develop in the future.

Antibodies

Antibodies are proteins found in your blood. They respond to foreign substances that may be a threat to your body. Antibodies are important to fight against diseases.

Benign

Benign is a term used to describe something that will not cause cancer. Genital warts are benign.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer is a serious condition that can be life threatening. Learn more about cervical cancer.

Cervix

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Genital HPV (human papillomavirus)

About 30-40 types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area. Learn more about HPV.

Genital warts

Genital warts are usually flesh-colored growths or small bumps that are caused by certain types of HPV. They can appear alone or in clusters in virtually any part of the genital area. Learn more about genital warts.

Gynecological exam

A gynecological exam is an examination of a woman by a health care professional. During this routine exam, the health care professional may perform a Pap test to check for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix.

Pap test

A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is part of the gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have a chance to become precancers or cervical cancer. Learn more about Pap tests.

Precancers

Precancers are highly abnormal cervical cells that have a high likelihood of becoming cervical cancer.

Uterus

The uterus is a muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity of females in which the fertilized egg implants and develops. It is also called the womb.

Vagina

The vagina is a 3- to 4-inch tube. Its upper part ends at the cervix and the lower part opens to the outside onto the vulva, the external female genitals.

Vaginal cancer

Most types are commonly found in the lining of the upper area of the vagina near the cervix. Learn more about vaginal cancer.

Vulvar cancer

Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that forms just outside the vagina in an area called the vulva. Learn more about vulvar cancer.

Womb

The womb is a muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity of females in which the fertilized egg implants and develops. It is also called the uterus.

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INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL

GARDASIL is the only human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 2 types of HPV that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. In boys and young men ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 90% of genital warts cases.

GARDASIL also helps protect girls and young women ages 9 to 26 against 70% of vaginal cancer cases and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases.

GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, nor will it protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV. GARDASIL does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important for women to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL does not treat cancer or genital warts. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of GARDASIL, including those severely allergic to yeast, should not receive the vaccine. GARDASIL is not for women who are pregnant.

The side effects include pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting. Fainting can happen after getting GARDASIL. Sometimes people who faint can fall and hurt themselves. For this reason, your health care professional may ask you to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after you get GARDASIL. Some people who faint might shake or become stiff. This may require evaluation or treatment by your health care professional.

Only a doctor or health care professional can decide if GARDASIL is right for you or your child.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch By clicking on this link, you will be leaving this siteThis link will take you to a site outside of Merck & Co., Inc. Merck does not review or control the content of any non-Merck site. Merck does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy, content, practices, or standards of any non-Merck site.
Proceed or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Patient Product Information or the Prescribing Information for GARDASIL.