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
Age 12 months to 12 years:
- Injection site reaction (19%)
- Fever (15%)
- Chickenpox-like rash (Up to 4%)
Age over 12 years:
- Injection site reaction (24-33%)
- Fever (10%)
- Chickenpox-like rash (Up to 6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fussiness
- Diarrhea
- General feeling of discomfort
- Itching
- Chills
- Muscle pain
Varivax serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, itching, dizziness, fever, shaking, nausea, flushing, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain
Source: DailyMed
The following Varivax side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Fever over 39°C (102°F)
Less common
Blue lips and fingernails
chickenpox-like skin rash
coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
decreased urine output
difficult, fast, or noisy breathing
dilated neck veins
extreme tiredness or weakness
general feeling of discomfort or illness
increased sweating
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat
irritability
pale skin
swelling of the ankles, face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
Rare
Black, tarry stools
blood in the urine or stools
chills
confusion
difficulty with breathing or swallowing
itching, especially of the feet or hands
muscle or joint pain
pinpoint red spots on the skin
reddening of the skin, especially around the ears
seizures with high fever
severe or continuing headache
stiff neck
swelling of the glands in the neck
thickening of bronchial secretions
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness, sudden and severe
vomiting
Incidence not known
Back pain, sudden and severe
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
bloody nose
blurred vision
bruising more easily
dizziness
fast heartbeat
headache
heavier menstrual periods
inability to move the arms and legs
inability to speak
large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
painful blisters on the trunk of the body
painful knees and ankles
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
raised red swellings on the skin, buttocks, legs, or ankles
red, irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
seizures
shakiness and unsteady walk
skin rash
slurred speech
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stomach pain
sudden loss of consciousness
sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
swollen or painful glands
temporary blindness
tingling of the hands or feet
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual weight gain or loss
weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
weakness of the muscles in your face
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Fever of 37.7°C (100°F) or higher, but not above 39°C (102°F)
hives, itching, pain, redness, soreness, tenderness, or warmth at the injection site
Less common
Common cold
congestion
cracked, dry, or scaly skin
disturbed sleep
heat rash or prickly heat
lack or loss of strength
loss of appetite
muscle ache, cramp, or stiffness
nervousness
skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing
swelling
swollen joints
teething
Incidence not known
body aches or pain
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
difficulty with moving
dryness or soreness of the throat
hoarseness
pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin
red rash with watery, yellow-colored, or pus-filled blisters
thick yellow to honey-colored crusts
voice changes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
