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Overview: Capvaxive is a vaccine to help prevent pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by certain types of bacteria. Your health care provider will give you this vaccine by an injection into a muscle as one dose. Common side effects are pain and redness at the injection site. You may also have a headache, tiredness, and muscle pain after getting it. These side effects usually go away in less than 3 days.

Uses

What is Capvaxive used for?

Capvaxive (pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine) is commonly given to help protect from infections caused by pneumococcus, which is a kind of bacteria. Serious diseases that can be caused by pneumococcus include the following.

  • Meningitis, infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord
  • Bacteremia, infection of the blood
  • Pneumonia

How does Capvaxive work (mechanism of action)?

Capvaxive triggers the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against 21 types of 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 Capvaxive?

Capvaxive 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 Capvaxive?

The most common side effects of Capvaxive 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
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Capvaxive 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 Capvaxive?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Capvaxive 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 Capvaxive?

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

  • Capvaxive
  • Pneumococcal 21-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 Capvaxive.

What should I know about Capvaxive before using it?

Capvaxive helps protect you from serious infections caused by 21 types of bacteria called pneumococcus. The vaccine will not give you 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 Capvaxive?

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 Capvaxive 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 infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)

Other Medicines and Supplements. Capvaxive may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving Capvaxive, 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 Capvaxive 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 Capvaxive 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 Capvaxive while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Capvaxive?

For more information about Capvaxive, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.capvaxive.com or call them at 877-888-4231.

Interactions

Does Capvaxive interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Capvaxive and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Capvaxive.

Does Capvaxive 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 Capvaxive at the same time as other vaccines. Also discuss if you are using any of the following before receiving Capvaxive.

  • 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 Capvaxive. 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 Capvaxive?

Capvaxive 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 Capvaxive?

Keep your appointment to receive Capvaxive. If you miss your appointment to get Capvaxive, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.