Prothrombin Complex Concentrate and Zostavax

• Generic Name: prothrombin complex
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Kcentra

Used for the urgent reversal of vitamin K antagonist (e.g., warfarin) anticoagulation in adults with acute major bleeding; designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use.

Rapidly restores vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors that are depleted by warfarin therapy.

Use in conjunction with vitamin K (phytonadione) to maintain adequate levels of coagulation factors once the effects of prothrombin complex concentrate (human) have diminished.

Experts generally consider PCCs such as prothrombin complex concentrate (human) (Kcentra) to be a reasonable (and in some cases, preferred) alternative to fresh frozen plasma for the urgent reversal of anticoagulation in patients with warfarin-induced bleeding. May provide some advantages over plasma including more rapid INR reduction, reduced drug preparation time, reduced risk of anaphylaxis and transmission of infectious pathogens, and lower drug volumes (which may be beneficial in patients with fluid restrictions).

Not indicated for the urgent reversal of vitamin K antagonist anticoagulation in patients without acute major bleeding.

• Generic Name: zoster vaccine live
• Dosage Forms: injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension
• Other Brand Names: Zostavax

Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) is used to prevent herpes zoster virus (shingles) in people age 50 and older.

Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus (varicella) that causes chickenpox in children. When this virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause herpes zoster, or shingles. Zoster vaccine is a live vaccine that helps prevent shingles.

Zostavax works by exposing you to a small dose of live virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Zostavax is used to prevent herpes zoster virus (shingles) in people age 50 and older.

Zostavax will not treat shingles or nerve pain caused by shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).