Gardasil

Ingredients

• Active Ingredients: Recombinant proteins from HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 (L1 capsid proteins in virus-like particles).
• Excipients: Amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate adjuvant, sodium chloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate; yeast-derived (contraindicated in severe yeast allergy).

Drug Class

Recombinant Human Papillomavirus 9-Valent Vaccine.

How It Functions

Gardasil 9 stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against nine HPV types, preventing infection by mimicking viral proteins without live virus. It targets oncogenic types (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) causing ~90% of cervical cancers and non-oncogenic types (6, 11) for genital warts. Administered as a 2-3 dose series (depending on age/start), it’s most effective before HPV exposure. In Pakistan, where cervical cancer is a leading cause among women (HPV prevalence ~10-15%), it’s key for prevention amid limited screening.

Common Applications

Per WHO and Pakistan health guidelines:

• Preventing cervical, vaginal, vulvar cancers in females.
• Reducing anal cancer and certain head/neck cancers (throat, oropharyngeal).
• Protecting against genital warts in males and females.
• Recommended for ages 9-26 routinely; up to 45 in catch-up or high-risk.

3-dose series at 0, 2, 6 months for under 15; 2-dose for 9-14 if started early.

Dosage Form

Intramuscular injection (deltoid for adults, anterolateral thigh for kids).

Potential Side Effects

Common (local/US data, similar globally):

• Injection site pain, redness, swelling.
• Fainting (syncope)—sit/lie down post-vaccination to prevent falls.
• Headache, fatigue, fever, nausea.

Rare: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis); not studied in known pregnancy.

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC/WHO-aligned:

• Allergies: Contraindicated in severe yeast allergy or prior Gardasil reaction.
• Pregnancy: Not studied—delay if possible; no evidence of harm but report exposure.
• Fainting: Common in adolescents; observe 15 minutes post-dose.
• Immunocompromised: May have reduced response; consult for HIV or immunosuppression.
• Driving: Safe, but caution if faint or dizzy.
• Alcohol: No interaction, but general vaccine advice applies.
• Storage: Refrigerate 2-8°C; don’t freeze.

Screen for allergies; 3 doses for full protection.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Avoid if:

• Severe allergy to components or yeast.
• Acute severe illness (delay until recovery).

Drug Interactions

Minimal; may blunt response with immunosuppressants. No live virus, so safe with most vaccines.

In Case of Overdose

Overdose unlikely serious; treat symptomatically (e.g., anaphylaxis kit for allergy).

Missed Dose

Complete series ASAP; efficacy drops if incomplete—catch-up dosing per schedule.

Storage and Disposal

Refrigerate (2-8°C); protect from light. Discard expired or compromised via medical waste protocols.

Quick Tips

• 3 doses: 0, 2, 6 months; boys/girls from age 9.
• Sit/lie after injection to avoid fainting.
• Free/subsidized in Pakistan via WHO/UNICEF programs.
• Report side effects to health authorities.

Doctor Review

Infectious disease specialists and gynecologists in Pakistan, from Aga Khan University Hospital to public health campaigns, endorse Gardasil 9 as a game-changer for cervical cancer prevention—covering 90% of cases via 9 HPV types—but stress early vaccination (pre-sexual debut), series completion, and integration with screening, given Pakistan’s high burden and low awareness.

Laboratory Screening

Pre-vaccination: Allergy history; no routine labs. Post: Serology if efficacy check needed (rare).

FAQs

What does Gardasil 9 protect against? Cervical/vaginal/vulvar/anal cancers, head/neck cancers, genital warts from 9 HPV types.

Safety in pregnancy? Not studied—delay; no confirmed harm but consult.

Fainting risk? Yes, especially teens—observe post-injection.

Storage? Refrigerate 2-8°C; don’t freeze.

Who needs it? Ages 9-45, ideally before exposure; routine for 9-26.

Disclaimer: Product info only, not prescription/diagnosis. Consult Pakistani doctor for vaccination suitability. Seek care for severe reactions.