Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine, diphtheria conjugate Intramuscular and Peginterferon alfa-2b

• Generic Name: meningococcal conjugate vaccine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Menactra, Menveo

Meningococcal polysaccharide diphtheria conjugate vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection by certain groups of meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the bacteria.

The following information applies only to the meningococcal vaccine used for meningococcal bacteria Groups A, C, Y, and W-135. These groups cause nearly all of the meningococcal meningitis cases in the U.S. The vaccine will not protect against infection caused by other meningococcal bacteria groups, such as Group B.

Meningococcal infection can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as meningococcal meningitis, which affects the brain, and meningococcemia, which affects the blood. Some persons with meningococcal meningitis and/or meningococcemia may die. The rate of these diseases peak in adolescence and early adulthood and are more likely to occur in persons with certain diseases or conditions that make them more susceptible to a meningococcal infection or more likely to develop serious problems from a meningococcal infection.

Immunization against meningococcal disease is recommended for persons who are at risk of getting the disease because:

• They have certain diseases or conditions that make them more susceptible to a meningococcal infection or more likely to develop serious problems from a meningococcal infection.
• They are living in, working in, or visiting an area where there is a strong possibility of contracting meningococcal disease.

Menveo® is recommended for use in children 2 months of age and older and adults younger than 55 years of age. Menactra® is recommended for use in children 9 months of age and older and adults younger than 55 years of age.

This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

• Generic Name: peginterferon alfa-2b
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: PegIntron, Sylatron, PegIntron Redipen

Peginterferon alfa-2b is used in combination with ribavirin or other medications to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children who are at least 3 years old.

The Sylatron brand of peginterferon alfa-2b is used only in adults, to treat melanoma (skin cancer) after surgery.

Peginterferon alfa-2b may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.