
Capvaxive
Capvaxive is the brand name for the pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine. It helps protect adults from pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (or "pneumococcus"). Capvaxive is injected into the muscle just once. It's given by a healthcare professional at a medical office, clinic, or pharmacy. Side effects include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. You also might feel tired or have a headache. These side effects usually go away in a few days.
What is Capvaxive?
What is Capvaxive used for?
- Prevention of pneumococcal disease in adults
- Prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults
How Capvaxive works
Capvaxive is a type of vaccine called a conjugate vaccine. It protects against 21 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The vaccine has a small piece of the bacteria in it.
After you get the Capvaxive shot, your immune system makes antibodies to fight the bacteria. These antibodies help protect you from serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia if the bacteria gets into your body.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Capvaxive |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Capvaxive essentials
Side effects of Capvaxive
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Pain at the injection site (73%)
- Fatigue (36%)
- Headache (27%)
- Muscle pain (16%)
- Redness at the injection site (14%)
- Swelling at the injection site (13%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Fever
Capvaxive serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: itching, hives, rash, flushing, dizziness, shaking, nausea, shortness of breath, chest pain
More on Capvaxive side effects
The following Capvaxive side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Fever
- General discomfort and fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
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Pros and cons of Capvaxive
Pharmacist tips for Capvaxive
- Talk to a healthcare professional before getting the Capvaxive vaccine to see if it's right for you. Vaccines for pneumonia can be confusing since there are many different kinds. A healthcare professional can help you figure out which ones you need.
- The Capvaxive vaccine helps lower your risk of pneumococcal disease and pneumonia. But like all vaccines, it might not protect you 100% of the time. You could still get sick even after getting the shot. Other ways to help protect yourself from getting sick are staying away from people who are sick and washing your hands often.
- If you feel sick, it's best to wait until you feel better before getting Capvaxive. This helps your immune system work its best to protect you from pneumonia. You can still get the shot if you have a mild illness, like a cold or low-grade fever. But if you feel really sick, wait until you recover. Ask a healthcare professional if you're not sure whether you should get vaccinated if you're feeling sick.
- Common side effects of Capvaxive include pain at the site of injection, tiredness, muscle aches, and headaches. They usually last no more than 3 days. If these side effects don't start to go away after 3 days, talk to your primary care provider.
- If you develop a severe reaction to Capvaxive, you or your healthcare team can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS). Go to their website or call 1-800-822-7967 to report the reaction.
- Read the vaccine information statement for more information on Capvaxive. Ask a healthcare professional if you have other questions.
Risks and warnings for Capvaxive
Capvaxive can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reaction
Like with any vaccine, there's a rare chance you could have a severe allergic reaction to Capvaxive. The healthcare professional giving you the shot might ask you to stay for a little while afterward. This way, they can help you quickly if you have a serious allergic reaction.
Sometimes, allergic reactions can happen after you leave the clinic. Get medical help right away if you feel faint, have swelling in your face, trouble breathing, hives, rash, dizziness, shaking, or chest pain. These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Lower response to Capvaxive in people who have a weakened immune system
- Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system
Capvaxive might not work as well in people who have a weak immune system. This means that they could still get sick with pneumococcal infections like pneumonia, even after getting the vaccine.
Talk to your primary care provider or healthcare team first before getting Capvaxive. Make sure they know if you have any medical conditions that weaken your immune system, like HIV or cancer. Also, tell them about any medications you take. Some medications, like high-dose corticosteroids and transplant medications, can make your immune system weaker.
More on Capvaxive warnings
Capvaxive dosage
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5ml of | 1 syringe | $296.15 | $296.15 |
Typical dosage for Capvaxive
The typical dose is 1 injection (0.5 mL) into the muscle. It's given by a trained healthcare professional at a medical office, clinic, or pharmacy.
How much does Capvaxive cost?
$296.15
Capvaxive contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Capvaxive will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to any diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine (including DT, Td, DTaP, or Tdap (Boostrix))
What are alternatives to Capvaxive?
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