GARDASIL

Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant

DISEASES CAUSED BY HPV

THESE HPV TYPES ARE OUT THERE

When it comes to human papillomavirus (HPVGenital HPV (human papillomavirus)About 30 types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area.
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See Full Glossary), there are 4 types of the virus you should really know about. That’s because they cause the most cases of HPV-related diseases in males and females. Each day in the United States, 30 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer (about 11,000 women per year) and it is estimated that each minute there is a new case of genital warts in men and women.

All HPV types that affect the genital area can cause abnormal Pap tests in females.

Find out more about HPV transmission.

 

HPV: 1 VIRUS, MANY DISEASES

CERVICAL CANCER GENITAL WARTS OTHER HPV CANCERS

Each day in the United States, 30 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer (about 11,000 women per year) and 11 women die from it. 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 considered to be passed down through family genes. Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of a Each day in the U.S. 30 women are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer virus—human papillomavirus or HPV.

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.

It is estimated that each minute in the United States, there is a new case of genital warts. About 2 out of 3 people will get genital warts after having any kind of genital contact with someone infected. Even after seeing pictures of genital warts closeGenital Warts Image #1, Genital Warts Image #2, you may not be able to recognize them. That’s because genital warts don’t always look the same.It is estimated that each minute in the U.S., a new case of genital warts is diagnosed.

Genital warts are usually flesh-colored growths that can be raised or flat, small or large, and alone or in clusters. In females, warts can grow inside a woman’s vagina, or on the cervix, making them hard to see. In males, they can appear on the surface of the penis or groin.

Treatment for genital warts can be a painful process and can involve cutting, freezing, or burning the warts. Even after treatment, genital warts can come back. In fact, 25% of cases come back within 3 months.

VAGINAL CANCER

There are several types of vaginal cancer, but most types are commonly found in the lining of the upper area of the vagina near the cervix.

Certain types of HPV have been closely linked to vaginal cancers. In fact, HPV Types 16 and 18 cause approximately 70% of vaginal cancer cases.

VULVAR CANCER

Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that forms just outside the vagina in an area called the vulva. HPV Types 16 and 18 cause up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases.

Talk to your doctor or health care professional if you want to know more about the diseases caused by human papillomavirus.

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.



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GARDASIL is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
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