M-M-R II (PF)

This vaccine is used to help prevent serious, sometimes fatal, infections caused by 3 viruses: measles (also known as rubeola), mumps, and rubella (also known as German measles). These are common childhood infections that may cause severe problems (such as deafness, lung/brain problems, or harm to an unborn baby). Therefore, preventing these infections through vaccination is very important.

This vaccine contains live viruses that have been weakened. It works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella.

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This vaccine is usually given by injection under the skin by a health care professional. In Canada, certain brands can also be given by injection into a muscle. Adults usually get 1 dose of the vaccine and children usually get 2 doses of the vaccine. Ask your health care professional about the vaccination schedule.

Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, fever, and mild rash may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that your health care professional has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your health care professional right away if you have any serious side effects, including: joint pain/stiffness, muscle pain, easy bruising/bleeding, seizures, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Before receiving the vaccine, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to it; or to eggs; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as neomycin), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this vaccination, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of: current fever/illness, immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment), low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury), blood/plasma transfusions.

Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This vaccine should not be given if you are pregnant. It may harm an unborn baby. Avoid getting pregnant for 4 weeks after receiving this vaccine. Talk to your health care professional for details.

The rubella vaccine virus passes into breast milk. It is unknown if the measles or mumps vaccine virus passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breast-feeding.

Store in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: drugs that weaken the immune system (including abatacept, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone), immune globulin.

This vaccine may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including TB skin test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your health care professionals know you use this drug.

Not applicable.

It is important that you or your child receives each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to ask when each dose should be received, and make a note on a calendar to help you remember.

As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not fully protect everyone who receives it.

Keep vaccine records for yourself and all of your children, and after your children are grown provide their records to them and their health care professionals. This will prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.