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.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is a result of certain high risk types of HPV. 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-coloured 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.

HPV

HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a common virus that affects both females and males. There are more than 100 types of HPV and most often it does not cause any symptoms and goes away on its own. Others can cause diseases of the genital area.

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.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL®

GARDASIL® is a vaccine indicated in girls and women 9-26 years of age, for the prevention of infection caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 and the following diseases associated with these types: cervical cancer, abnormal and precancerous cervical cells, vaginal and vulvar cancers, abnormal and precancerous vaginal and vulvar cells, and genital warts. 

GARDASIL® helps prevent these diseases but it does not treat them. And just like all vaccines, GARDASIL® may not fully protect everyone who gets it. GARDASIL® does not protect against all types of HPV. Duration of protection over the long term has not been established. Vaccination with GARDASIL® is not recommended during pregnancy.

Like all vaccines, GARDASIL® may cause some side effects. GARDASIL® has been shown to be generally well tolerated in adults and children as young as 9 years old. The most commonly reported side effects in girls and women included pain, swelling, itching, bruising and redness where the shot was given. Fever, nausea, dizziness, headache and vomiting were also reported. Allergic reactions may occur.

Even if you get vaccinated with GARDASIL®, it is still important to continue having regular Pap tests.

Only a healthcare professional can decide if GARDASIL® is right for you or your daughter.

Read the Patient Product Information or the Prescribing InformationTo retrieve this information you will be re-directed to a page within our main Merck Frosst Website which contains Product Monographs, Prescribing Information, Product Information and Consumer Information approved by Health Canada. Click here to go to the Gardasil® page on MerckFrosst.com for more information.