Measles/Mumps/Rubella Vaccines, MMR injection

July 17, 2018

Measles/Mumps/Rubella Vaccines, MMR injection

What is this medicine?

MEASLES VIRUS; MUMPS VIRUS; RUBELLA VIRUS VACCINE LIVE (MEE zuhlz VAHY ruhs; muhmps VAHY ruhs; roo bel uh VAHY ruhs vak SEEN lahyv ) is used to prevent an infection with measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella (German measles) viruses. It is used to prevent infection in children over 12 months old, adults that have not been vaccinated and are not pregnant, and anyone traveling to countries where there are high rates of measles, mumps, or rubella.

How should I use this medicine?

This vaccine is for injection under the skin. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in hearing

  • changes in vision

  • difficulty walking

  • extreme changes in behavior

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • fever over 100 degrees F

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • seizures

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • aches or pains

  • bruising, pain, swelling at site where injected

  • diarrhea

  • headache

  • low-grade fever of 100 degrees F or less

  • nausea, vomiting

  • runny nose, cough

  • sleepy

  • swollen glands

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • adalimumab

  • anakinra

  • etanercept

  • infliximab

  • medicines that suppress your immune system

  • medicines to treat cancer

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • immune globulins

  • live virus vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up (booster) doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bleeding disorder

  • cancer including leukemia or lymphoma

  • immune system problems

  • infection with fever

  • low levels of platelets in the blood

  • recent blood transfusion or immune globulin infusion

  • seizure disorder

  • taking medicines for immunosuppression

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, eggs, neomycin, gelatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for check-ups as directed.

Do not become pregnant for 3 months after receiving this vaccine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018