Varivax
Varivax is a brand-name vaccine prescribed to help prevent chickenpox. Varivax belongs to a group of drugs called live vaccines.
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD on May 30, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Introduction
This article describes Varivax’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of Varivax.
Uses of Varivax
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Varivax for certain conditions. Approved uses for Varivax are described below.
Use for chickenpox prevention
Doctors may prescribe Varivax vaccine to help prevent chickenpox. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 12 months and older. For immunization, Varivax is usually prescribed as a series of two shots. (Immunization refers to the process of protecting against a disease with a vaccine.)
With chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes an itchy skin rash with blisters. The rash usually starts on the face, back, or chest and can spread across the whole body. Symptoms can be more severe in adults than in children and may lead to complications, such as pneumonia. Varivax protects against VZV and helps prevent chickenpox.
Doctors may not prescribe Varivax vaccine in certain situations, such as for people with:
- active, untreated tuberculosis
- a fever higher than 101.3°F
- a weakened immune system
Dosage of Varivax
The timing of doses of Varivax your doctor prescribes can vary based on your age. Talk with your doctor about your dosage schedule.
Receiving Varivax
Varivax vaccine is administered (given) by injection under the skin or into a muscle.
Your doctor will explain how Varivax will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also tell you how many doses you’ll receive and how often.
Common questions about Varivax
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Varivax.
How does Varivax compare with Varilrix and Shingrix?
Similar to Varivax, Varilrix and Shingrix are both vaccines that work against the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
Varilrix is a live vaccine that helps prevent chickenpox in adults and certain children. But it isn’t available in the United States. (Live vaccines contain a live, weakened form of the germ they protect against.)
Shingrix is a vaccine that helps prevent shingles. Shingles is also caused by VZV. After you recover from chickenpox, VZV remains in your body, but it is inactive. Shingles occurs when the virus reactivates and causes a painful skin rash. This usually occurs in people ages 50 years and older. Unlike Varivax, Shingrix isn’t a live vaccine, and it’s only approved for use in adults.
If you have questions about how Varivax compares with other vaccines, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How is Varivax stored?
Varivax comes as a powder in a vial. This vial is stored in a freezer until your doctor or another healthcare professional prepares it for use. After your doctor prepares the vial, they can store it in a refrigerator for 72 hours. A dose can remain at room temperature for up to 30 minutes.
For questions about how Varivax is stored, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Varivax a live vaccine?
Yes, Varivax is a live vaccine. (Live vaccines contain a live, weakened form of the germ they protect against.) The vaccine contains weakened varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The weakened virus isn’t likely to cause disease. But it can still activate your immune system to help protect you against chickenpox. (VZV causes chickenpox.)
If you have questions or concerns about getting a live vaccine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does Varivax work? And how long does it take to start working?
Varivax works by exposing your immune system to a weakened version of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The weakened virus can’t cause disease, but your immune system can still learn how to respond to it. Your immune system remembers this response. Then, if you catch the virus from someone, your immune system is usually able to fight off the virus before it causes disease.
Varivax will start activating your immune system right away. Full protection will start about 6 weeks after the second dose.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about what to expect with Varivax.
Varivax coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for Varivax by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for Varivax, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Side effects of Varivax
Varivax may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Varivax and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about Varivax’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for Varivax.
* To view Varivax’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with Varivax are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Varivax’s side effects, see the drug’s prescribing information.*
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Varivax vaccine’s mild side effects include:
- fever
- mild chickenpox-like rash at the injection site
- mild chickenpox-like rash on the body
- pain, redness, discoloration, and swelling at the injection site
- mild allergic reaction†
* To view Varivax’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Varivax” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Varivax are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Varivax’s side effects, see the drug’s prescribing information.*
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, Varivax’s serious side effects include:
- meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
- risk of virus transmission (spread) to certain people at high risk of contracting it†
- seizures that may occur with a fever
- severe allergic reaction‡
* To view Varivax’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section.
† People with a high risk of this side effect include people with a weakened immune system. They also include pregnant people who never had chickenpox or a chickenpox vaccine and their newborns.
‡ For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Varivax” section.
Interactions and warnings for Varivax
Below, you’ll find information about Varivax’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of Varivax
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or receiving the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you receive Varivax, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Varivax” section.
Warnings for Varivax
Certain people should not receive the Varivax vaccine.
Varivax could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Varivax is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Varivax, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Varivax can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Varivax or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not receive Varivax. They can tell you about safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to Varivax, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Varivax
Information about Varivax and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Varivax and pregnancy
Varivax should not be received during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before receiving this vaccine. Your doctor may suggest waiting 3 months to become pregnant after receiving Varivax. If you’re already pregnant, your doctor will likely suggest waiting until after delivery to receive Varivax.
Varivax and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Varivax should be received while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before receiving this vaccine.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes Varivax’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about Varivax or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Can Varivax cause chickenpox?
- How long does Varivax protect against chickenpox?
- What happens if I wait too long between doses of Varivax?
- If I get Varivax, will I still need to get Shingrix in the future?
Article resources
- Chickenpox (varicella) vaccines. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaccines/varicella-vaccine.html
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Purple Book: Database of licensed biological products. https://purplebooksearch.fda.gov/results?query=Varicella%20Virus%20Vaccine%20Live&title=Varivax
- Varivax, varicella virus vaccine live suspension for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. (2023). https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/v/varivax/varivax_pi.pdf
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
- Brand
- Injectable
- 1 of 1350pfu/0.5ml
- 1 Vial
Dosage settings
Name
Varicella Virus Vaccine
Pronunciation
(var i SEL a VYE rus vak SEEN)
Brand Names: US
Varivax
What is this drug used for?
It is used to prevent chickenpox infection.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you have any of these health problems: Active TB (tuberculosis) that is not being treated, certain blood or bone marrow problems like leukemia or lymphoma, a fever, a weak immune system, or a disease that may cause a weak immune system like HIV or AIDS. If you are taking any drugs to suppress your immune system. This may be certain doses of steroids like prednisone. There are many drugs that can suppress your immune system. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. If a family member has had immune system problems. If you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant within the next 3 months. Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or if you are planning to get pregnant within the next 3 months. If you have had any of these within the past 5 months: Blood transfusion, plasma transfusion, immune globulin drugs like varicella-zoster immune globulin. This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. This drug may not protect all people who use it. Talk with the doctor. If you will be having a tuberculosis (TB) skin test, you can be tested before, on the same day, or a few weeks after you get this vaccine. This vaccine may affect TB tests. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about when you can have a TB test. Rarely, you can spread the chickenpox virus to others after you get this vaccine. When you are able to, avoid close contact with certain people like newborns, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, and people with weak immune systems. Do this for up to 6 weeks after getting this vaccine. Talk with your doctor if you cannot avoid close contact with these people. Do not take aspirin or products like aspirin for at least 6 weeks after getting this vaccine. The chance of a very bad illness called Reye's syndrome may be raised. Reye's syndrome causes damage to the brain and liver. This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you get pregnant within 3 months after getting this drug, call your doctor right away. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Rash that looks like chickenpox on the body or where the shot was given. Shingles. Rarely, other side effects have happened with this drug. It is not known if this drug caused these side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have easy bruising; red or purple, flat spots under the skin; pale skin; trouble walking; severe skin problems, or a skin infection. Call your doctor right away if you have a headache, fever, chills, very upset stomach or throwing up, stiff neck, seizures, you feel sleepy or confused, or if bright lights bother your eyes.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Mild fever. Feeling fussy. Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. Irritation where the shot is given. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor to find out what to do.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
General drug facts
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.