Human Papillomavirus Bivalent: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

The Human Papillomavirus Bivalent vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18:

• Established/FDA-approved use: Cervical cancer caused by HPV types 16 and 18.
• Established/FDA-approved use: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse and adenocarcinoma in situ caused by HPV types 16 and 18.
• Established/FDA-approved use: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1 caused by HPV types 16 and 18.
• Guideline-supported use: Routine immunization of adolescent girls per WHO and national immunization program recommendations, typically administered before the onset of sexual activity.

Human Papillomavirus Bivalent is a prophylactic (preventive) vaccine only. It is not indicated, and has no demonstrated benefit, for treatment of existing HPV infection, existing cervical lesions, or cervical cancer. It also does not protect against HPV types other than 16 and 18, so routine cervical cancer screening should continue as recommended by local guidelines even after vaccination.

Human Papillomavirus Bivalent is administered only by intramuscular injection, preferably into the deltoid region of the upper arm, by a trained healthcare professional. It must never be given intravenously, subcutaneously, or intradermally.

If flexibility in the schedule is required, the second dose may be given between 1 and 2.5 months after the first, and the third dose between 5 and 12 months after the first. The same vaccine product should be used to complete the full series whenever possible. The vaccine (prefilled syringe or vial) should be shaken well before use to ensure a uniform, slightly opalescent white suspension, and inspected visually for particulate matter or discoloration before administration.

The most commonly reported side effects of Human Papillomavirus Bivalent are generally mild to moderate and self-limiting.

• Very common: Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site; headache; myalgia (muscle pain); fatigue.
• Common: Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain); fever; dizziness; itching or rash at the injection site.
• Uncommon: Upper respiratory tract infection; urticaria (hives).
• Rare but serious: Syncope (fainting), sometimes accompanied by jerking movements, can occur after any injection, particularly in adolescents - see Precautions and Warnings. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have also been reported rarely.