Gardasil

Gardasil can help prevent cervical cancer, genital warts, and other conditions caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine, which is given as a series of three injections, does not protect against all types of HPV; however, it does protect against four of the most common types. Gardasil has been approved for use in girls and women age 9 to 26. The most common side effects of this vaccine include nausea, dizziness, and reactions at the injection site.

 

What Is Gardasil?

Gardasil® (Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus [Types 6, 11, 16, and 18] Recombinant Vaccine) is a vaccine that has been licensed to prevent cervical cancer, genital warts, and various precancerous genital lesions caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV for short).
 
Gardasil is approved for use in girls and women age 9 to 26.
 
(Click Gardasil Uses for more information on what Gardasil is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Gardasil Vaccine?

Gardasil is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc.
 

How Does Gardasil Work?

Gardasil is a vaccine that protects against certain types of HPV infections. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies to fight off the HPV virus. HPV is a virus that can be sexually transmitted and can cause female genital warts, male genital warts, cervical cancer, and various precancerous genital growths.
 
There are many different types of HPV virus, and Gardasil does not protect against all of them. However, Gardasil does protect against a few important HPV types (types 6, 11, 16, and 18). These four types of HPV were chosen because they cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;