General Information on Varivax
Varivax provides protection against chickenpox. A contagious disease, chickenpox usually occurs in children under 12 years of age. However, older children and adults can also contract chickenpox. The generic name of this drug is Varicella Virus Vaccine.
Varivax prevents or reduces the intensity of chickenpox in people who are on this drug. When you receive the shot, your body is exposed to a small quantity of the infection-causing virus. As a result of this, your body develops immunity against the infection. Varivax is not effective against an active infection. Also, just like other vaccines, Varivax too may fail to provide protection from the infection in every individual who receives it.
You should receive a shot of Varivax from only qualified healthcare professionals. Do not self-inject this drug. You should buy Varivax online only if your doctor has prescribed it for your treatment.
Side effects of Varivax
You should not buy Varivax if you have a known hypersensitivity to neomycin, gelatin, or vaccines containing Varicella. If you experience an allergic reaction after being administered with a shot, you should not receive any further shots of the vaccine. Hives, facial flushing, wheezing, trouble swallowing or breathing, or skin rashes are some of the common symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Patients who have serious conditions such as asthma, blood cell disorder, kidney disease, or diabetes should not take Varivax. It is contraindicated in patients suffering from an untreated active TB infection. In addition to the above, you should not buy Varivax if:
- You recently had a stem cell transplant
- You are below 18 years and have recently used aspirin, Salflex, Dolobid, or other similar drugs
- You are on chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids
- You have or have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Your doctor must be aware of your medical history before you receive Varivax. Share your medical history with your doctor, especially if:
- You have thrombocytopenia purpura
- You suffer from an active TB infection
- You have received any blood product within the past 1 year
Serious side effects associated with this drug are:
- High fever
- Unusual weakness
- Breathing problems, tightness in the chest, cough
- Behavior changes
Patients who experience any of the aforementioned serious side effects after receiving a shot of Varivax should consult their doctor immediately.
Less serious side effects associated with this drug are:
- Low fever
- Mild skin rash
- Pain or mild redness at the injection site
- Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
The use of Varivax in pregnant women is contraindicated. Do not take the drug during pregnancy. Lactating women should consult their doctor if it is safe to receive Varivax.
Dosage of Varivax
Varivax is administered via a subcutaneous injection. Children aged between 12 months and 12 years should be administered a dose of Varivax 0.5ml. A booster dosage of 0.5ml should be administered after 3 months.
Adults and adolescents aged 13 years or more should be administered a dose of 0.5ml. A booster dose of 0.5ml should be administered after 4-8 weeks.
Interactions
Certain drugs may interact with this drug. Inform your doctor about all drugs you are using before you buy Varivax. Your doctor may ask you to not to use certain drugs for some time before and after receiving Varivax. For instance, patients who are given this vaccine should not take a salicylate (for example, aspirin) for up to 6 weeks.
Pharmacist Notes: Varivax vaccine is stable at 98.6 degrees F for 7 days.
