GARDASIL®

Human papillomavirus: 1 Virus, More Than 1 Disease

Some genital HPV types are known as “high risk” because they can cause cancers of the cervixCervixThe cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
See Full Glossary, vaginaVaginaThe 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.
See Full Glossary, vulva and other areas. Although HPV types 16 and 18 are not the only high risk types, these two types do cause over 70% of cervical cancers.*

Other genital HPV types are known as “low risk”, but this does not mean no risk. They can cause health problems like genital warts (skin-coloured growths that may hurt, itch and bleed). HPV types 6 and 11 cause over 90% of genital warts.

HPV is also a major cause of abnormal Pap tests.

Get the facts about these diseases now.

* GARDASIL® does not provide protection against all high risk types of HPV.

Talk to your healthcare professional if you want to know more about the diseases that can be caused by human papillomavirus.

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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.