What is Gardasil Vaccine (HPV), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Gardasil is a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Gardasil is a sterile preparation for intramuscular injection and contains purified inactive proteins from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. The proteins in Gardasil are structural, virus-like proteins (VLP) that resemble the HPV virus. The proteins can activate the immune system but cannot give rise to replicating virus. Viral proteins used in Gardasil are manufactured in yeast cells (S. cerevisiae) using recombinant technology. Once released from yeast cells, the VLPs are purified, combined with a catalyst (amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate) and a purification buffer. Human papillomavirus causes cervical cancer, cervical adenocarcinoma, vaginal cancer, genital warts, and anal cancer. Gardasil works by stimulating the immune system to attack HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Once Gardasil is administered, the body’s immune system recognizes the viral proteins in Gardasil as foreign, and develops antibodies against them, thus providing immunity from future infections. In the event of HPV exposure following vaccination, the body will already be primed to fight the infection. HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 are commonly associated with HPV infections. HPV 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancer and HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 cause approximately 90% of genital warts. The FDA approved Gardasil in June 2007.
What brand names are available for Gardasil Vaccine (HPV)?
Is Gardasil Vaccine (HPV) available as a generic drug?
Do I need a prescription for Gardasil Vaccine (HPV)?
What are the uses for Gardasil Vaccine (HPV)?
In girls and women
Gardasil is a vaccine used in girls and women 9 through 26 years of age for the prevention of the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
In boys and men
Gardasil is used in boys and men 9 through 26 years of age for the prevention of the following diseases caused by HPV:
What are the side effects of Gardasil Vaccine (HPV)?
Patients should be observed for 15 minutes after injection because of the possibility of fainting. Allergic reactions, which may be severe, also occur.
People allergic to any component in Gardasil should not use Gardasil.
What is the dosage for Gardasil Vaccine (HPV)?
Gardasil 0.5 ml is injected intramuscularly as three separate doses. The first dose is administered at the patient’s convenience, the second dose two months after the first dose, and the third dose six months after the first dose.
SLIDESHOW
Which drugs or supplements interact with Gardasil Vaccine (HPV)?
Gardasil may be administered concomitantly (at different sites) with hepatitis B vaccine, Menactra (Meningococcal Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine), and Adacel (Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed). The use of immunosuppressive drugs reduces the efficacy of Gardasil. Hormonal contraceptives do not interact with Gardasil.
Is Gardasil Vaccine (HPV) safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Gardasil has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. It should only be used in pregnant women if it is clearly needed.
It is not known whether Gardasil or the antibodies induced by Gardasil are excreted in breast milk.
What else should I know about Gardasil Vaccine (HPV)?
What preparations of Gardasil Vaccine (HPV) are available?
Injection: 0.5 ml single-dose vial and pre-filled syringe
How should I keep Gardasil Vaccine (HPV) stored?
Gardasil should be stored refrigerated at 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F) and should be protected from light and not frozen.
Latest Women’s Health News
Daily Health News
Trending on MedicineNet
Summary
Gardasil HPV Vaccine (Recombinant Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent Vaccine) is a vaccine synthesized using recombinant technology. Gardasil is a single dose injection. Gardasil is for the prevention of HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 infections in girls and women aged 9 to 26 years. Gardasil also approved for preventing genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11 in males aged 9 to 26 years. Gardasil protects against cervical cancer, abnormal or precancerous cervical, vaginal, or vulvar lesions, and genital warts. Side effects of Gardasil include fever, vomiting, nausea, fainting, dizziness, pain, swelling, itching, or redness at the site of injection.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Cervical Cancer Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
Cervical cancer is typically caused by HPV infections. Learn about vaccines to prevent cervical cancer. Get information about…
-
What’s a Virus? Viral Infection Types, Symptoms, Treatment
Is a virus alive? Learn the definition of a virus. Viral infections like COVID-19 can occur in your eyes, mouth, skin, or…
-
Health Screening Tests Every Woman Needs
What is a health screening? Why is it important to know your blood pressure? How long will your health screening take? Learn…
-
Picture of Genital Warts (HPV)
A wart in the moist skin of the genitals or around the anus. See a picture of Genital Warts (HPV) and learn more about the health…
Related Disease Conditions
-
STDs in Men
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections transmitted during sexual contact. They may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. STDs in men cause no symptoms or symptoms like
genital burning, itching, sores, rashes, or discharge. Common infections that are sexually transmitted in men include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C and B, genital warts, human papillomavirus (HPV), and genital herpes. Some STDs in men are treatable while others are not. STDs are diagnosed with tests that identify proteins or genetic material of the organisms causing the infection. The prognosis of an STD depends on whether the infection is treatable or not. Use of latex condoms can help reduce the risk of contracting an STD but it does not eliminate the risk entirely. -
Genital Warts (HPV) Infection in Women
Genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection (STI, STD) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is the most common STD in the US. The warts can appear anywhere on the skin where sexual contact has occurred.
The warts look like raised, flesh-colored lumps or bumps that have a cauliflower-like appearance. Signs and symptoms of genital warts in women include vaginal, vulva, or groin pain, itching, and burning where the wart(s) is.
Treatment can remove warts or lesions, but it does not prevent spread of the virus, and the warts usually grow back. Removing genital warts does not prevent the infection from spreading elsewhere on the body.
There is no cure for genital warts, and there is no vaccine to prevent them; however, there is a vaccine to prevent infection from four common types of HPV. Gardasil vaccine available for female adolescents and teens to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer. -
Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
-
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs, the
anus or mouth, or through contact with blood during sexual activity. Examples of STDs include, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, trichomoniasis, pubic lice (crabs), and scabies. Treatment is generally with antibiotics; however, some STDs that go untreated can lead to death. -
What Is the Fastest Way To Get Rid of Genital Warts?
Genital warts or HPV (human papillomavirus) are very common. There is no cure but there are fast treatments to help get rid of them. Learn what they are.
-
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Infection
HPVs or human papillomaviruses are a group of viral infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Certain high-risk types of HPV infection cause certain cancers (cervical, penile, anal, vaginal, and oral). There are no signs or symptoms of HPV infection. HPV infection is an extremely common STD and is highly contagious. People are at higher risk of getting HPV infection if they have multiple sex partners, a weakened immune system, or breaks in the skin. HPV vaccinations prevent HPV infection. Treatment for HPV infection is antiviral medication. There is no cure for HPV infection.
-
Cervical Cancer (Cancer of the Cervix)
Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular pelvic exams, Pap testing and screening can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Cervical cancer can be prevented by a vaccine. The most common signs and symptoms are an increase in vaginal discharge, painful sex, and postmenopausal bleeding. The prognosis and survival rate depends upon the stage at which the cancer was diagnosed.
-
Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which the cells of the inner lining of the cervix have precancerous changes. There are two types of cervical dysplasia: squamous intraepithelial lesion and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Cervical dysplasia is caused by infection of the cervix with HPV (human papillomavirus). There are various diagnostic measures for cervical dysplasia. Treatment generally depends upon the progression of the dysplasia: mild, moderate, or severe.
-
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a LEEP Procedure?
LEEP is a procedure to remove cancerous tissue from the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus located at the top of the vagina. The cervix takes about 4 to 6 weeks to recover from a LEEP procedure.
-
Women’s Health
Women’s health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
-
Can a Woman Give a Man HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of virus that is different from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes virus (HSV). It is the most common cause of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. Yes, human papillomavirus (HPV) can be transmitted from a woman to man and vice versa.
-
Anal Cancer
Anal cancer, cancer located at the end of the large intestine, has symptoms that include anal or rectal bleeding, anal pain or pressure, anal discharge or itching, a change in bowel movements, and/or a lump in the anal region. Treatment for anal cancer may involve radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery and depends upon the stage of the cancer, its location, whether cancer is eradicated after the first treatment, and whether the patient has HIV.Anal cancer is usually curable when found localized. Early detection remains the key to long-term survival as it is in many forms of cancer.
-
What Should I Do After a Vulvar Biopsy?
A vulvar biopsy is a surgical procedure where a small piece of tissue is extracted from the vulva. A vulvar biopsy is performed on discolored areas, lumps, sores and genital warts that don’t heal. After a vulvar biopsy, follow instructions to keep the area clean and dry, do not wash the biopsy region for 12 hours and apply direct pressure on the site if it bleeds.
-
Children’s Health
Children’s health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children’s health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health, and community health.
-
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is fairly uncommon. There are two types of vaginal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Risk factors include being 60 or older, exposure to DES while in the womb, HPV infection, and having a history of abnormal cervical cells. Painful intercourse, pelvic pain, vaginal lumps, and abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge are all symptoms of vaginal cancer. Treatment depends upon the stage of the vaginal cancer and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and the use of radiosensitizers.
-
Can You Get Rid of HPV Once You Have It?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of virus that is different from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes virus (HSV). It is the most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. In most cases, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can go away on their own.
-
Disease Prevention for Teens
Teenagers recognize that they are developmentally between child and adult. Teen health prevention includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, preventing injuries and screening annually for potential health conditions that could adversely affect teenage health.
-
How Effective Is a LEEP Procedure?
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is used to remove abnormal or potentially cancerous regions in the cervix (mouth of the uterus). Research has shown that this procedure is as effective as other treatments (laser ablation, cold knife conization and cold therapy or cryotherapy) that are used to destroy or remove the suspicious areas in the cervix.
-
What Causes HPV in Females?
HPV — human papillomavirus — is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., with over 75 million people being infected, most of them young adults. There are more than 150 strains of HPV.
-
Genital Warts in Men (HPV)
The HPV virus (genital warts) in men can cause health problems. Genital warts are confined primarily to the moist skin of the genitals or around the anus. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which are transmitted through sexual contact.
-
What Does the Conization of Cervix Mean?
The cervix is the mouth of the uterus that opens further into the vagina. Conization or cone biopsy of the cervix is a surgical procedure in which a small cone-shaped or cylindrical wedge of tissue is removed from the cervix (mouth of the uterus).
-
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs)
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
-
Cancer Prevention
Certain behavioral, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to cancer. Cancer prevention involves modifying these factors to decrease cancer risk. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, and obesity increase the risk of certain cancers. Vaccines, genetic testing, and cancer screening also play a role in cancer prevention.
-
Disease Prevention in Women
Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
-
What Does the HPV Vaccine Prevent?
There are several vaccines that prevent infection with HPV. They also protect against other cancers that HPV causes including cancer of the vagina, vulva, penis, throat, and anus.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
QUESTION
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.