GARDASIL

Abnormal cervical cells

Abnormal cervical cells are cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance. The more severe the cervical abnormality, the more likely it is that cervical cancer could develop in the future.

Antibodies

Antibodies are proteins found in your blood. They respond to foreign substances that may be a threat to your body. Antibodies are important to fight against diseases.

Benign

Benign is a term used to describe something that will not cause cancer. Genital warts are benign.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer is a serious condition that can be life threatening. Learn more about cervical cancer.

Cervix

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Genital HPV (human papillomavirus)

About 30 types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area. Learn more about HPV.

Genital warts

Genital warts are usually flesh-colored growths that are caused by certain types of HPV. Learn more about genital warts.

Gynecological exam

A gynecological exam is an examination of a woman by a healthcare professional. During this routine exam, the healthcare professional performs a Pap test to check for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix.

Pap test

A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is part of the gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have a chance to become precancers or cervical cancer. Learn more about Pap tests.

Precancers

Precancers are highly abnormal cervical cells that have a high likelihood of becoming cervical cancer.

Uterus

The uterus is a muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity of females in which the fertilized egg implants and develops. It is also called the womb.

Vagina

The vagina is a 3- to 4-inch tube. Its upper part ends at the cervix and the lower part opens to the outside onto the vulva, the external female genitals.

Womb

The womb is a muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity of females in which the fertilized egg implants and develops. It is also called the uterus.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL

GARDASIL is the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. GARDASIL is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26.

Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of GARDASIL, including those severely allergic to yeast, should not receive the vaccine. GARDASIL is not for women who are pregnant. GARDASIL does not treat cervical cancer or genital warts.

GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, and does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL will not protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV.

The side effects include pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months.

Only a doctor or health care professional can decide if GARDASIL is right for you or your daughter.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Patient Product Information or the Prescribing Information for GARDASIL.