Zoster Vaccine Live
About Zoster Vaccine Live
Zoster Vaccine Live belongs to the class of medications called ‘immunizing agents’ used to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) infection. Herpes zoster is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The varicella-zoster virus causes it. Zoster Vaccine Live does not cure herpes but does not allow the disease to spread and treat its symptoms.
Zoster Vaccine Live is an immunizing agent or vaccine made from a live, attenuated herpes-zoster virus. It helps to provide persistent or long-lasting protection against the zoster virus. Zoster Vaccine Live helps develop immunity by forming antibodies and stimulating the immune system. It is essential to take the vaccine doses per the doctor’s advice for effective protection against the disease.
A healthcare professional will administer Zoster Vaccine Live; hence, do not self-administer. Zoster Vaccine Live may cause side effects such as fever, headache, itching, pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site. These side effects are mild and temporary. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Zoster Vaccine Live if you are allergic to gelatin, neomycin or any contents present in this medicine. Zoster Vaccine Live should not be given for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, or chickenpox in people with with a weak immune system, such as patients with HIV or AIDS, who are receiving immunosuppressants or, who have active untreated tuberculosis, and who have a high temperature. Zoster Vaccine Live should not be given to pregnant women and used with caution in breastfeeding mothers.
Uses of Zoster Vaccine Live
Medicinal Benefits
Zoster Vaccine Live provides active immunization against herpes-zoster virus for healthy adults above 50 years of age. It benefits people who are non-immune and at risk of infection, such as healthcare workers or workers in children's daycare centres, and non-immune household contacts of patients with weak immune systems with no history of the disease. It helps protect against the zoster virus and develop immunity by forming antibodies and stimulating the immune system.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Zoster Vaccine Live
- Pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Itching
- Injection site reactions
- Swelling
Drug Warnings
It is not recommended to take Zoster Vaccine Live if you are allergic to gelatin, neomycin or any contents present in this medicine. People who have been vaccinated with Zoster Vaccine Live should avoid close contact for up to 6 weeks with the following individuals: those who have not been previously vaccinated against chickenpox, who have a weak immune system or who are receiving immune suppressants. Adults with weak immune systems who receive Zoster Vaccine Live should be closely monitored as this vaccine is less effective in these people. People should not receive any immunoglobulin medicines for one month following Zoster Vaccine Live. Women of childbearing potential should use reliable contraceptive methods as it is not recommended to get pregnant for three months following the Zoster Vaccine Live vaccination. Zoster Vaccine Live should not be given for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, or chickenpox in people with a weak immune system, such as patients with HIV or AIDS, who are receiving immunosuppressants or, who have active untreated tuberculosis, and who have a high temperature.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Zoster Vaccine Live should not be given to patients taking immune suppressive therapy (tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and azathioprine, etc.) or high doses of corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone, etc.). Zoster Vaccine Live may also interact with immunoglobulin therapy (human normal immunoglobulin and varicella-zoster immune globulin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Zoster Vaccine Live should not be used in patients with HIV or AIDS, active untreated tuberculosis, and fever (higher than 38.5°C).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not consume alcohol with Zoster Vaccine Live as it may result in serious side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeZoster Vaccine Live is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionZoster Vaccine Live is probably safe to use while breastfeeding. According to limited human data, the drug poses no significant risk to the baby.
Driving
safeZoster Vaccine Live may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
consult your doctorZoster Vaccine Live does not affect liver function. However, if you have liver problems, your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medication based on your condition.
Kidney
consult your doctorZoster Vaccine Live does not affect kidney function. However, if you have liver problems, your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medication based on your condition.
Children
unsafeZoster Vaccine Live is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy for this medicine is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat foods such as rice, pasta, and oatmeal and soft foods such as mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, boiled eggs, avocado, and boiled chicken.
- Prefer eating yoghurt, milkshakes, and smoothies. Avoid eating spicy, salty, and acidic foods.
- Stay hydrated. Prefer drinks such as coconut water, herbal teas, low-sugar drinks, and electrolyte-infused drinks.
- Do not scratch or itch the rashes, as this may worsen them. Regular hand washing and nail trimming can avoid the spreading of infection.
- Monitor your temperature regularly. Sponging can help to reduce fever.
- Take adequate rest and sleep.
- Stay isolated and do not go outside until the last blister has disappeared.
Special Advise
- Zoster Vaccine Live should not be given intravenously (IV). It is given into the muscle. If given into the muscle, the upper arm area is preferred in adults.
- If more than one live virus vaccine must be given simultaneously, these injections should be given at different sites. However, if they are not necessary to be given on the same day, they should be spaced at an interval of at least four weeks.
- Avoid getting pregnant at least 3 months post-vaccination.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Herpes zoster(shingles): It is a viral infection that causes a painful rash that causes red skin rashes, pain and burning. The virus lives in your nervous system for years before causing Herpes. The rash typically appears on one side of the body, often as a single stripe of blisters. It can appear on your face, neck, torso, and one side of the body. It can occur in and around the eyes, also known as ophthalmic herpes zoster. Shingles are non-contagious, but the virus can be spread to someone who has never had chickenpox; symptoms may include pain, itching, tingling and numbness, as well as symptoms of shingles can include pain, headache, chills, fatigue, itching, tingling, numbness, fever and fatigue.
FAQs
Zoster Vaccine Live belongs to the class of medications called ‘immunizing agents’ used to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) infection.
Zoster Vaccine Live is an immunizing agent or vaccine from a live, weakened, or attenuated herpes-zoster virus. It helps to provide persistent or long-lasting protection against herpes zoster virus by stimulating the immune system to form antibodies.
Your doctor will determine the required doses based on age, vaccine history and health condition. You must inform your doctor if you have taken any vaccines before taking Zoster Vaccine Live.
Zoster Vaccine Live is not indicated for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and chickenpox.
Zoster Vaccine Live is not recommended for use in individuals below 50 years of age, pregnant women, people with a weak immune system (such as people with HIV, cancer, or people taking high doses of corticosteroids or immune suppressants), people with active and untreated tuberculosis, and people who have a temperature higher than 38.5°C.
