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GARDASIL
Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterusUterusThe 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.
See Full Glossary that connects to the vaginaVaginaThe 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.
See Full Glossary). Unlike other cancers, cervical cancer is not passed down through family genes. Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of a virus—human papillomavirus or HPV.
Cervical Cancer—It's not too early to think about it
While half of all women diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years old, many of these women were probably exposed to cancer-causing HPV types in their teens or 20s. For most women who have HPV, the virus will go away on its own. But for some women who don't clear the virus, cervical cancer can develop.
The link between HPV and Cervical Cancer
When a woman is infected with certain types of HPV, and the virus doesn't go away on its own, abnormal cellsAbnormal cervical cellsAbnormal 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.
See Full Glossary can develop in the lining of the cervix. If these abnormal cells are not found early and treated, precancers and then cervical cancer can develop.
Pap tests look for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become precancers or cervical cancer. The more severe the abnormal cells, the more likely it is that cervical cancer will develop in the future.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL
GARDASIL is the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. GARDASIL is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26.
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. GARDASIL does not treat cervical cancer or genital warts.
GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, and does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL will not protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV.
The side effects include pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months.
Only a doctor or health care professional can decide if GARDASIL is right for you or your daughter.
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.
20802636(2)-03/08-GRD
