Prevnar 20 Side Effects

Generic name: pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 12, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Prevnar 20.

Applies to pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine: intramuscular suspension.

Serious side effects of Prevnar 20

Along with its needed effects, pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine (the active ingredient contained in Prevnar 20) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine:

More common

• Fever

Incidence not known

• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives, itching, skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of Prevnar 20

Some side effects of pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• difficulty in moving
• headache
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in the joints

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine: intramuscular suspension.

General

The most common adverse reactions reported for most adults were pain at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, arthralgia, and injection site swelling.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Postmarketing reports: Pediatric cyanosis, pediatric pallor^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angioedema, rash

Postmarketing reports: Angioneurotic edema, erythema multiforme^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Hematologic

Postmarketing reports: Lymphadenopathy at injection site^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reaction

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction (including shock)^[Ref]

Local

Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (up to 81.2%), injection site swelling (up to 16.4%), injection site redness (up to 25.5%)

Postmarketing reports: Vaccination-site dermatitis, vaccination-site pruritus, vaccination-site urticaria^[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite among infants (up to 26.4%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Muscle pain (up to 66.6%), joint pain (up to 13.4%)

Frequency not reported: Limitation of arm movement, arthralgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 38.8%), drowsiness among infants (up to 67.2%)

Frequency not reported: Seizures

Postmarketing reports: Pediatric hypotonia^[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 42.7%), fever in infants (up to 17.3%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chills^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Irritability among infants (up to 70.9%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bronchospasm, dyspnea

Postmarketing reports: Pediatric apnea^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer