Measles Virus; Mumps Virus; Rubella Virus; Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live

What is this medicine?

MEASLES VIRUS; MUMPS VIRUS; RUBELLA VIRUS; VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE LIVE (MEE zuhlz ; muhmps ; roo BEL uh; and var uh SEL uh VAHY ruhs vak SEEN) is a live vaccine to protect from an infection with measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chickenpox) viruses. It is approved for use in children 1 to 12 years of age.

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 1 year 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

• ear pain

• extreme irritability

• fever over 102 degrees F

• seizures

• unusual bruising or bleeding

• unusual drooping or paralysis of face

• muscle weakness

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

• cough

• diarrhea

• headache

• muscle aches and pains

• pain at site where injected

• runny or stuffy nose

• tired

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• adalimumab

• anakinra

• etanercept

• infliximab

• medicines for organ transplant

• some medicines for arthritis

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• immunoglobulins

• medicines to treat cancer

• other vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

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:

• blood system disease or problem

• cancer

• fever or infection

• history of organ transplant

• immune system problems

• other chronic health problems

• seizures

• taking steroids or other medicines to suppress the immune system

• tuberculosis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella virus vaccine, neomycin, gelatin, eggs, albumin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This vaccine may not protect from all measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella infections.

After you receive this vaccine, stay away from people who are at a high risk for varicella infection. You could give the varicella infection to another person for up to 6 weeks after getting this vaccine. This includes people with HIV or AIDS, people with cancer, some pregnant women, and some babies. Ask your health care professional if you have any questions.

Do not take any aspirin products for 6 weeks 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. Use effective birth control for at least 3 months after receiving this vaccine. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.