HPV Vaccine Shown to Prevent Genital Warts in Men
Recent results of a Phase III clinical trial involving Gardasil, a vaccine against four strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), indicate that the vaccine may help prevent genital warts in boys and men. Results of the study, funded by Merck, the manufacturer of Gardasil, were presented earlier this month at the annual meeting of the European Research Organization on Genital Infection and Neoplasia (EUROGIN).
Currently in the U.S., Gardasil is only approved for use in for girls and women aged 9-26. Yet while the vaccine provides protection against two strains of HPV associated with 70 percent of cervical cancer in females, it also protects against strains of HPV that cause genital warts that HPV Newseffect both males and females. The study evaluated approximately 4000 males between 16 through 23 years of age. Study participants received either three doses of Gardasil at regular intervals or a placebo. All participants were followed for 36 months. At the time of vaccination, participants had no evidence of genital lesions, no history of genital warts and five or fewer lifetime sexual partners.
Participants who were vaccinated with Gardasil were approximately 90 percent less likely to develop genital warts than those that received a placebo. No study participants experienced any serious side effects related to vaccination. Merck intends to submit a supplemental Biologics License Application for Gardasil to the FDA by the end of 2008 for the use of the vaccine in boys and men ages 9 to 26 for the prevention of genital warts.
ASHA’s fact sheet on HPV vaccines addresses some of the most common questions about Gardasil and other vaccines in development. ASHA’s website also offers recent data on the safety of Gardasil.
Filed under Advocacy, Buzz, Gardasil, Genital Warts, HPV, Vaccines | Comment (0)My Daughter will soon be ONE LESS
You guessed it! She’s started the 3 part vaccination process with Gardasil the Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant. If you’re not sure what that is, visit www.GARDASIL.com and read up on it.
It was just a matter of time before we got the vaccine going for my teen. When it first came out I knew it would take a little while for the insurance companies to get their act together, so we waited. When we went in a couple of weeks ago and had the opportunity to ask about this our family doctor insisted it was a smart choice.
Gardasil does NOT prevent against all 100+ types of HPV but it does prevent two types that can cause cervical cancer and two more types that can cause genital warts. Hello People, CERVICAL CANCER can be prevented? That’s the biggest reason to get your girls vaccinated when it comes time.
I asked my doctor when the four and two year old could get vaccinated and she told me that eventually they will be setting it up to encourage parents to have it done before Junior High School years.
So once you get the first shot you go back two months after the 1st appointment for another shot. Once you get the second shot you back back six months after the 1st appointment. (In other words, every two months until the three part series is completed.)
That’s definitely ONE LESS thing that we will have to worry about. Science and medical breakthrough never cease to amaze me.
Filed under Buzz, Cervical Cancer, Gardasil, Genital Warts, HPV | Comment (0)One in four young females in the U.S. has at least one common sexually transmitted infection
One in four young females in the U.S. has at least one common sexually transmitted infection (STI), according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the 2008 National STD Prevention Conference in Chicago. In the study, 838 girls aged 14-19 were tested for a range of STIs, including chlamydia, HPV, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. According to the results, an alarming total of 3.2 million teen girls (about 26% of girls in this age group) were infected.
According to the report, 20% of Caucasian and Mexican American girls had an STI, while the percentage was 48% for African American girls, demonstrating that group is most at risk. About 15% of those who had an STI were found to have more than one. Out of the young women who reported having had only one partner, one in five had an STI. The two most common STIs were HPV at 18.3% and chlamydia at 3.9%.
The CDC released results from an additional study that may help explain why the STI rate is so high in young women. This second study showed that most women who received contraception from their doctors did not receive any information on STIs or how to prevent them, and the importance of testing was not discussed. The CDC suggests that young, sexually active women be tested each year for chlamydia and other STIs. They also stress the importance of the Gardasil(R) vaccine, which helps prevent genital warts and cervical cancer.
Filed under Buzz, Cervical Cancer, Chlamydia, Gardasil, Genital Warts, HIV | AIDS, HPV, Herpes, Trichomoniasis, std testing | Comment (0)Genital Warts
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are flesh-colored growths that are most often caused by certain types of HPV. Genital warts most often appear on the external genitals or near the anus of females and males. Less commonly, genital warts can appear inside the vagina and on the cervix.
Who gets genital warts?
Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV, and certain types of HPV can develop into genital warts. Because many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, they can transmit the virus without even knowing it. After sexual contact with an infection person, genital warts may appear within weeks, months, years, or not at all.
Genital warts are very common. It is estimated that in 2003, there were over 260,000 new cases of genital warts in the United States alone.
How do I know if I have genital warts?
A healthcare professional can usually recognize genital warts just by seeing them. Genital warts often do not cause symptoms. In some cases; however, they may cause burning, itching, or pain.
How are genital warts treated?
Genital warts sometimes disappear on their own without treatment. However, there is no way to tell if they will disappear or grow larger.
A healthcare professional may choose to apply a special cream or solution to the warts. Alternatively, some genital warts can be removed by freezing, burning, or using a laser treatment. If these treatments don’t work, they may be removed by surgery.
There is a chance that genital warts can reappear after treatment, since the HPV that caused them may still be present.
* These facts do not cover everything there is to k now about genital warts. Talk to your healthcare professional or visit HPV.com for more information. This information was presented for educational purposes and only for personal use.
Filed under Buzz, Genital Warts, HPV | Comment (0)Everything you ever wanted to know about Gardasil and more
Gardasil Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) Recombinant Vaccine
Read this information with care before you or your child gets Gardasil. You or your child will need 3 doses of the vaccine. It is important to read this leaflet when you receive each dose. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your health care professional about Gardasil.
(As you can see I picked up the leaflet from my doc’s office, came home, and then I copied it to my blog so that you guys could get access to the information. Not all doc’s offices have this information so I felt it would be a good idea to share it with you.)
What is Gardasil and what is it used for?
Gardasil is a vaccine (injection/shot) that helps protect against the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types in the vaccine (6, 11, 16, and 18):
- Cervical cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus or womb)
- Abnormal and precancerous cervical lesions
- Abnormal and precancerous vaginal lesions
- Abnormal and precancerous vulvar lesions
- Genital warts
Gardasil helps prevent these diseases - but it will not treat them. You or your child cannot get these diseases from Gardasil.
What other key information about Gardasil should I know?
- Vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Females who receive Gardasil should continue cervical cancer screening.
- As with all vaccines, Gardasil may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.
- Gardasil will NOT protect against diseases due to non-vaccine HPV types. There are more than 100 HPV types; Gardasil helps protect against 4 types (6, 11, 16, and 18). These 4 types have been selected for Gardasil because they cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
- This vaccine will not protect you against HPV types to which you may have already been exposed.
- Gardasil also will not protect against other diseases that are not caused by HPV.
- Gardasil works best when given before you or your child has any contact with certain types of HPV (i.e., HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18).
Who can receive Gardasil?
Gardasil is for girls and women 9 through 26 years of age. See “Who should not receive Gardasil?” below.
Who should not receive Gardasil?
Anyone who:
- is allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. A list of ingredients can be found at the end of this leaflet.
- has an allergic reaction after getting a dose of the vaccine.
What should I tell my health care professional before I am vaccinated or my child is vaccinated with Gardasil?
It is very important to tell your health care professional if you or your child:
- has had an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
- has a bleeding disorder and cannot receive injections in the arm.
- has a weakened immune system, for example, due to a genetic defect or HIV infection.
- is pregnant or is planning to get pregnant. Gardasil is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
- has any illness with a fever more than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C).
- takes or plans to take any medicines, even those you can buy over the counter.
Your health care professional will decide if you or your child should receive the vaccine.
How is Gardasil given?
Gardasil is given as an infection. You or your child will receive 3 doses of the vaccine. Ideally the doses are given as:
- First dose: at a date you and your health care professional choose.
- Second dose: 2 months after the first dose.
- Third dose: 6 months after the first dose.
Make sure that you are your child gets all 3 doses. This allows you or your child to get the full benefits of Gardasil. If you or your child misses a dose, your health care professional will decide when to give the missed dose.
What are the possible side effects of Gardasil?
As with all vaccines, there may be some side effects with Gardasil. Gardasil has been shown to be generally well tolerated in women and girls as young as 9 years of age.
The most commonly reported side effects included:
- pain, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site.
- fever.
Difficulty breathing (bronchospasm) has been reported very rarely. If you or your child has any unusual or sever symptoms after receiving Gardasil, contact your health care professional right away. For a more complete list of side effects, ask your health care professional.
What are the ingredients in Gardasil?
The main ingredients are purified inactive proteins that come from HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. It also contains amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, sodium chloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate, and water for infection.
What are cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, and genital warts?
Cancer of the cervix is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. This disease is caused by certain HPV types that can cause the cells in the lining of the cervix to change from normal to precancerous lesions. If these are not treated, they can turn cancerous.
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. They often appear as skin-colored growths. They are found on the inside or outside of the genitals. They can hurt, itch, bleed, and cause discomfort. These lesions are usually not precancerous. Sometimes, it takes multiple treatments to eliminate these lesions.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
HPV is a common virus. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had this virus. There are many different types of HPV; some cause no harm. Other can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type. See “What other key information about Gardasil should I know?”
Who is at risk for Human Papillomavirus?
In 2005, the CDC estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime. A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact is at risk. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others and not know it.
Will Gardasil help me if I already have Human Papillomavirus?
You may benefit from Gardasil if you already have HPV. This is because most people are not infected with all four types of HPV contained in the vaccine. In clinical trails, individuals with current or past infection with one or more vaccine-related HPV types prior to vaccination were protected from disease caused by the remaining vaccine HPV types. Gardasil is not intended to be used for treatment for the above mentioned diseases. Talk to your health care professional for more information.
* This leaflet is a summary of information about Gardasil. If you would like more information, please talk to your health care professional or visit gardasil.com - This information was issued in June of 2006, Manufactured and Distributed by: MERCK & CO., INC., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA 96823 - This information is presented only for informational and educational reasons and should not take the place of your own doctor’s medical advice. Permission was granted to help spread the word about the HPV vaccine Gardasil.
Filed under Buzz, Cervical Cancer, Gardasil, Genital Warts, HIV | AIDS, Vaccines | Comment (1)Personal Rant about Alternatives, Prescriptions, HPV Vaccine and Conspiracy Theorists
I bring up the “alternative/natural” substances vs. “prescription” because there are a lot of conspiracy theorists that read my blog on a daily basis - so that was more for their benefit than strictly just for you.
How long should we have to wait before we figure out that vaccines save lives? Ten years, twenty years, thirty years of waiting before we can find out that it’s really ok to take the HPV vaccine and that as with all vaccines, there may be some side effects? We already know this, right? How long do you think it took for scientists to put together the HPV vaccine? Do you think that they just sat around in the board room, through it together without conducting years of testing before offering it up to the public?
So we miss out on the vaccine that has the potential to prevent two types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Why? Because of conspiracy theorists against any and all research that has been conducted within the pharmaceutical industry to try and save lives? Are you against the drug companies so much so that you would forgo vaccinating your children just to prove a point after all the years of research that has already been done on this? Does that not count at all or do we have to start over because it’s finally made it to the market?
Everything out there to treat any type of illness whether it be alternative or clinically proven has the potential to have side effects. When you go to pick up your medication at the pharmacy there is always a list of possible side effects that come with medications. The same thing goes for vaccines. When you vaccinate your children they send you home with a sheet of paper that tells you what to watch out for and what to do if your child develops any of the symptoms associated with that vaccine. Why would the HPV vaccine be any different?
I know that it’s different for some… because there are MANY that truly believe that vaccinating our daughters with the HPV vaccine essentially says to them that they can go out and have sex and won’t have to worry about two types of cancer or contracting any type of genital wart. Why is it that it’s ok to vaccinate but when you are vaccinating for the purpose of preventing a sexually transmitted disease people have a problem with that? The strange part is that this sexually transmitted disease happens to cause various strains of cervical cancer which happens to be one of the leading causes of death in women. I guess the three letters STD sorta trumps that then so that makes it bad. WHATEVER!!
So basically what you are saying is that it doesn’t matter how many years have gone into researching and developing this vaccine. It will never be good enough unless we wait another life time and millions of deaths later in order to know what we already know about the vaccine. Oh THAT makes perfect sense to me now… what I want to know is what your definition of a lifetime is? How long should we wait before we protect our kids from the four types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts?
Filed under Buzz, Cervical Cancer, Genital Warts, Vaccines, std testing | Comments (4)Quick Questions Answered about Genital Warts
Here are the genital wart questions
1 in 3 adults has the Human Papillomavirus, the virus that causes genital warts and is also known as HPV. It is possible to carry the virus and not know it. So symptoms for HPV do not always show up.
As with the herpes virus it’s also possible to pass HPV even with condom use. The reason is because condoms do not cover the entire genital area. It’s also possible that the HPV virus can clear the body all on it’s own. At least that is what I’ve heard on those HPV commercials.
Filed under Buzz, Condoms, Genital Warts, Herpes | Comment (0)
