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Uses

What is Prevnar 20 used for?

Prevnar 20 (pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate) is commonly given to help protect from infections caused by 7 to 20 types of pneumococcus, which is a kind of bacteria. Serious diseases that can be caused by pneumococcus include the following.

How does Prevnar 20 work (mechanism of action)?

Prevnar 20 triggers the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against 20 types of a bacteria called pneumococcus. If you have antibodies against these bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help you from getting sick.

How should I store Prevnar 20?

Prevnar 20 is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Prevnar 20?

The most common side effects of Prevnar 20 are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Fever, irritability, and loss of appetite (infants and children)
  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Joint pain (adults)

There may be other side effects of Prevnar 20 that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Prevnar 20?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Prevnar 20 are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Prevnar 20 may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Prevnar 20?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Prevnar 20.

  • Prevnar 20
  • Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine
  • Any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product to be received

Your healthcare provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Prevnar 20.

What should I know about Prevnar 20 before using it?

Make sure that you or your child gets all the doses of Prevnar 20 that your healthcare provider recommends. Prevnar 20 helps protect you from certain serious infections caused by 20 types of a bacteria called pneumococcus.

The vaccine will not give you or your child disease caused by these bacteria.

A vaccine information statement should be provided by your healthcare provider to you before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Prevnar 20?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Prevnar 20 is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • An allergic reaction to any vaccine
  • A weak immune system, get infection easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)
  • Born before 37 weeks of pregnancy (premature)
  • Bleeding problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Prevnar 20 may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving Prevnar 20, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Prevnar 20 could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Prevnar 20 passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should receive Prevnar 20 while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Prevnar 20?

For more information about Prevnar 20, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.prevnar20.com or call them at 800-622-4477.

Interactions

Does Prevnar 20 interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Prevnar 20 and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Prevnar 20.

Does Prevnar 20 interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you plan to get Prevnar 20 at the same time as other vaccines or if you have received any vaccines within the past five years. Also discuss if you are using any of the following before receiving Prevnar 20.

  • A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • A type of medicine called chemotherapy, which is commonly used to treat cancer 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Prevnar 20. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Prevnar 20?

Prevnar 20 is given by a healthcare provider. Keep a record of all the vaccines you receive and share it with your healthcare provider. If you have any side effects, please report them by calling 800-822-7967 or filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Prevnar 20?

Keep all appointments to receive Prevnar 20.

If you miss an appointment to get Prevnar 20, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.