This vaccine is used to help prevent cholera infection.
People can get cholera by eating food or drinking water that has been
contaminated. This vaccine is recommended for people who are traveling to
areas where this infection is common. This vaccine contains live bacteria
that have been weakened. It works by increasing the body's natural defense
(immunity) against the bacteria.
Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives
them. While traveling, you should still avoid contaminated food or water
(such as by drinking only bottled or boiled water, eating only fully cooked
food). Ask your health care professional for more details.
Read all vaccine information available from your health
care professional before taking the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask
your health care professional.
Take this vaccine by mouth as directed by the health
care professional. Do not eat or drink 1 hour before and 1 hour after
taking this vaccine.
You should get this vaccine at least 10 days before
traveling to at-risk areas.
Diarrhea, tiredness, headache, abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting, or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects last or
get worse, tell your health care professional promptly.
Remember that this vaccine has been prescribed because
your health care professional has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this vaccine do not have
serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care
professional.
Contact the health care professional for medical advice
about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice,
but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event
Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the
Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at
1-866-844-0018.
Before you take this vaccine, tell the health care
professional if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more
details.
Before taking this vaccine, tell your health care
professional your medical history, especially of:
- current fever/illness
- immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection,
certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation
treatment)
- vaccination history (including previous reactions to any
vaccines)
A weakened form of the bacteria may pass in your stools
for at least 7 days after taking this vaccine. Rarely, an infection may
occur in people who are in close contact with you. To prevent the spread of
infection, always wash your hands well after using the bathroom and before
preparing/handling any food. Discuss the risks and benefits of this vaccine
with your health care professional if you have family/household members
with weakened immune systems (such as due to cancer).
During pregnancy, this vaccine should be taken only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care
professional.
It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk.
Consult your health care professional before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change
the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this vaccine
are:
- drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine,
tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as
prednisone)
Avoid using antibiotics when receiving this vaccine. If
you are currently using an antibiotic, do not take this vaccine until at
least 14 days after stopping the antibiotic.
Avoid taking a certain medication (chloroquine) used to
prevent malaria when receiving this vaccine. Take this vaccine at least 10
days before you start treatment with chloroquine.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and
provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary
re-vaccinations.
Store in the refrigerator away from light and moisture.
This vaccine may also be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours
before mixing. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.