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GARDASIL
Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant
Who Gets HPV
HPV — WHO GETS IT?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) affects both females and males. HPV transmission can happen with any kind of genital contact with someone who has HPV—intercourse isn’t necessary.
Many people who have HPV don’t even know it, because the virus often has no signs or symptoms. That means you can get the virus or pass it on to your partner without knowing it.
In the United States, an estimated 75% to 80% of males and females will be infected with HPV in their lifetime. For most, the virus will clear on its own, but when it doesn’t, HPV can have consequences:
IN WOMEN:
- Precancers and cancers: cervicalCervical cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer is a serious condition that can be life threatening.
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vaginalVaginal cancer Most types are commonly found in the lining of the upper area of the vagina near the cervix.
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See Full Glossary, and vulvarVulvar cancer Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that forms just outside the vagina in an area called the vulva.
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See Full Glossary - Genital wartsGenital 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.
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And there is no way to predict who will or won’t clear the virus.
There are about 6 million new cases of genital HPV* in the United States each year. It’s estimated that 74% of them occur in 15- to 24-year-olds.
*Number represents 30 to 40 genital HPV types, not just HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18.
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 or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Read the Patient Product Information or the Prescribing Information for GARDASIL.
This site is intended only for residents of the United States, its territories, and Puerto Rico.
GARDASIL is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
20950185(10)-01/10-GRD
