Mumpsvax

An active immunizing agent, live mumps virus vaccine is used in preventing mumps infection. The Mumpsvax works by pushing the body to produce antibodies that will protect against the viral infection.

When mumps infection manifests, it can be very severe that it may cause serious complications like meningitis and encephalitis. Furthermore, the infection may cause the condition called orchitis, which may affect adolescent boys and men.

Orchitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the testicles; when lef6t untreated, it may result in sterility.

Women who are pregnant and in their first trimester can experience spontaneous abortion when exposed to the mumps virus. Mumps vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 12 months and above.

It is not recommended for infants younger than one-year-old since the antibodies they had from their mothers may interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness. If the child was immunized against mumps before 12 months, re-immunization is necessary.

Before using Mumpsvax, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. The decision depends on you and your doctor.

There are several things you have to consider before getting this vaccine. These are:

Allergies

If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - food, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.

Pediatric

The use of this vaccine for babies 12 months and younger is not recommended. In case a child received the vaccine before 12 months, the child must be vaccinated again at 12 months of age.

Pregnancy

No adequate studies were done in pregnant women concerning the effects and risks of this vaccine.

Breastfeeding

Lactating women who have received the vaccine poses minimal risk to the breastfeeding infant.

Drug Interactions

Some drugs have adverse effects when used together. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary. Before getting the mumps vaccine, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications.

It is also important to inform your doctor if you are smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol since these may interact with the drug’s effectiveness. Inform your doctor about any drug you are using, prescription or nonprescription, as well as vitamins and herbal supplements.

Other medical problems

Before using this vaccine, inform your doctor about any other medical problems, especially, immune deficiency condition and serious illnesses with fever.

To use Mumpsvax properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

The vaccine is administered through subcutaneous injection by a licensed health practitioner.

One dose of live mumps virus is injected for adults and children 12 months and above.

Before using Mumpsvax, there are some precautions you must take. Make sure not to get pregnant within 30 days after you received mumps virus vaccine. There is a risk of the vaccine causing problems during pregnancy.

If you have received mumps vaccine and have to get immunoglobulins or blood products within 14 days, or if you are scheduled for the mumps vaccine within 3 months after receiving immunoglobulins, consult your doctor.

The vaccine may affect the results of tuberculin skin test if you have received the vaccine within 4 to 6 weeks.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Mumpsvax. Not all of the side effects listed below may occur, but if they do, you may need to get medical attention.

If any of the side effects take place, consult your doctor:

• Breathing difficulties
• Difficulty in swallowing
• reddening of the skin, especially around ears
• hives itching, especially of feet or hands
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• swelling of eyes, face, or inside of the nose
• Bruising or purple spots on skin
• fever over 103 В°F (39.4 В°C)
• confusion
• irritability
• Severe and continuing headache
• In adolescent boys and men, tenderness, pain, or swelling in testicles and scrotum
• vomiting
• stiff neck

While most of these side effects usually diminish as the body adjusts to the drug, calling your doctor may be needed.

Some patients may experience side effects not listed above. If you want to report side effects, you may do so by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.