Guardasil Shot Side Effects
The Guardasil shot is a shot designed to vaccinate women against human papilloma virus (HPV). According to clinical trials, Guaradasil has a 100-percent success rate against two high risk HPV strains which cause up to 70 percent of cervical cancer diagnoses, and a 90-percent success rate against the HPV strain that causes up to 90 percent of genital warts cases. However, although the FDA approved the drug and the CDC endorses it, some controversy exists regarding side effects associated with the shot.
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Side Effects
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The Guardasil research team, represented by Dr. Daron Ferris, assures patients that the vaccine has no unknown long-term side effects and that the risk of short-term side effects is no greater than that of any other vaccine. Dr. Ferris points to studies which involved tracking more than 10,000 patients for five years, in order to demonstrate the safety of the vaccine. CDC officials concur with the Guardasil team's position and requires no additional warning labels on the drug advising of the dangers of side effects.
Controversy Regarding Side Effects
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Although the CDC and FDA endorse Guardasil, some controversy remains as of 2009. The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) position is that the side effects of the Guardasil shot vastly outweigh the side effects of the meningitis vaccine, a related vaccine given to patients in the same age group. An NVIC report indicates that they feel the testing on Guardasil was insufficient and that only 1,200 girls under the age of 16 were included in the clinical tests highlighted by Dr. Ferris.
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Common Side Effects
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Some common side effects associated with the shot are known and clearly stated by both the FDA and the manufacturers of Guardasil. These side effects include dizziness and fainting (which occur in 11 percent of patients), hives, rashes, stomach problems, headaches, seizures and chills. The shot can also cause blood clots in the legs, heart or lungs.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
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The Center for Disease Control has reported 3 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome that were allegedly linked to Guardasil. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a disorder which causes persistent, potentially paralyzing muscle weakness that can last a lifetime. Although these 3 cases are reported on the CDC website, the CDC states that there is no reliable data to link Guardasil with an increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Death
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Guardasil has allegedly been linked to 39 reported deaths as of May 1, 2009. However, the CDC states that of these reported Guardasil linked deaths, 26 have been examined and no evidence has been found to conclusively name Guardasil as the cause of death. Seven of the reports cannot be investigated due to lack of sufficient information. The remaining six are still under consideration as of August 2009.
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