A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Gardasil 9 is a groundbreaking vaccine developed to prevent diseases caused by nine types of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is designed to protect against diseases such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, genital cancers, and the precursors of these cancers, as well as against genital warts. Gardasil 9 is suitable for use in both females and males aged 9 through 45 years and works by stimulating the body's immune response against the targeted HPV types.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, with certain strains linked to various types of cancer. Gardasil 9 covers HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, which are among the most harmful and prevalent. Administering Gardasil 9 can substantially reduce the incidence of these cancers and conditions, contributing to a significant public health benefit.
Before you buy Gardasil, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Gardasil 9 price.
Fact Table | |
---|---|
Formula | Not applicable (Vaccine) |
License | FDA approved |
Bioavailability | Not applicable (vaccine-based) |
Legal status | Prescription Drugs |
Chemical Name | Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant |
Elimination half-life | Not applicable (vaccine-induced immunity) |
Dosage (Strength) | 0.5 mL containing antigens of HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 |
Pregnancy | Not recommended; avoid use during pregnancy |
Brands | Gardasil 9 |
Protein binding | Not applicable (vaccine-based) |
PubChem CID | Not available |
MedlinePlus | a607016 (Gardasil 9) |
ChEBI | Not applicable (vaccine-based) |
ATC code | J07BM02 |
DrugBank | DB11629 (Gardasil 9) |
KEGG | D10803 (Gardasil 9) |
Routes of administration | Intramuscular |
Gardasil 9 vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection, typically in the upper arm or thigh. The vaccination schedule consists of two or three doses depending on the recipient's age:
For individuals aged 9 through 14 years: Two doses are recommended. The second dose should be given 6 to 12 months after the first dose.
For individuals aged 15 through 45 years: Three doses are required. The second dose should be administered two months after the first dose and the third dose six months after the first dose.
It is essential to complete the full course of vaccinations for optimal protection. If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible without starting the series over. Consult with a healthcare provider for any adjustments in the vaccination schedule.
The active components of Gardasil 9 include purified proteins of HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
Before receiving Gardasil 9, discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you:
Have allergies to yeast or any other components of the vaccine.
Have a moderate or severe acute illness; vaccination should be postponed until recovery.
Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is advisable to use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during the vaccination schedule.
Are breastfeeding; consult your doctor to discuss any potential risks.
Gardasil 9 should be used with caution when administered alongside other vaccines. Although there is no evidence of significant interactions, simultaneous administration of Gardasil 9 with other vaccines has not been extensively studied. Always inform your healthcare provider about any other vaccines or medications you are taking.
Like all vaccines, Gardasil 9 can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects include:
What is Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine used to protect individuals aged 9 to 45 against diseases caused by nine types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
What is the GARDASIL 9 vaccine used for?
Gardasil 9 is used to prevent diseases caused by 9 types of HPV, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers, certain head and neck cancers, and genital warts.
How many doses of Gardasil 9 are needed?
Gardasil 9 is usually given as 2 or 3 shots, depending on the age of the individual.
How many years does Gardasil 9 last?
The duration of protection provided by Gardasil 9 is still being studied, but it’s known to be effective for at least several years.
Do I need Gardasil 9 if I already have HPV?
Yes, even if you already have HPV, you can still benefit from the Gardasil 9 vaccine as it protects against nine types of HPV, and you may not be infected with all of these.
Should I get Gardasil 9 if I had Gardasil 4?
While the CDC doesn’t specifically recommend it, it could be beneficial to get Gardasil 9 if you’ve had Gardasil 4, as Gardasil 9 protects against five additional strains of HPV.
Do you need a prescription for Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine that is usually administered by a healthcare professional, so while it’s not a prescription medication, it’s typically given in a medical setting.
Does Gardasil 9 prevent genital warts?
Yes, Gardasil 9 can help prevent genital warts caused by certain types of HPV.
How does Gardasil 9 work?
Gardasil 9 works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the nine types of HPV that the vaccine targets.
How effective is Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 has been shown to be highly effective in preventing diseases caused by the nine types of HPV it targets.
How is Gardasil 9 administered?
Gardasil 9 is a shot that is usually given in the arm muscle.