Dryvax (Injection)
Generic name:smallpox vaccine (injection route) [ SMAWL-pox-VAX-een ]
Drug class:Viral vaccines
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 13, 2022.
Myocarditis, pericarditis, encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, encephalopathy, progressive vaccinia, generalized vaccinia, severe vaccinial skin infections, erythema multiforme major (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome), eczema vaccinatum resulting in permanent sequelae or death, ocular complications and blindness and fetal death, have occurred following primary vaccination or revaccination. Certain individuals are at an increased risk which may lead to severe disability, permanent neurological sequelae and/or death .
The Dryvax brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Dryvax
Uses for Dryvax
Smallpox vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent smallpox infection. It works by causing your immune system to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus .
This vaccine should only be administered by or under the supervision of your doctor or another health care professional .
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription .
Before using Dryvax
In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of smallpox vaccine in children less than 16 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established .
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of smallpox vaccine in geriatric patients .
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this vaccine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all..
