breast milk; use cautionPregnancy Categories A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk. B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available. Mechanism of Action Live, attenuated varicella virus stimulates active immunity to disease caused by varicella-zoster virus Conveys active immunity via stimulation of production of endogenously produced antibodies Pharmacokinetics Onset: 4-6 weeks (seroconversion) Duration: Antibody titers detected at 10 years following vaccination SC or IM Preparation Use a sterile syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics, and detergents for each reconstitution and injection, because these substances may inactivate the vaccine virus When reconstituting, only use sterile diluent supplied as it does not contain preservatives or other antiviral substances which might inactivate the vaccine virus. Withdraw total volume of supplied sterile diluent and inject into lyophilized vaccine in vial; agitate to dissolve completely Discard if lyophilized vaccine cannot be dissolved Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration; discard if particulates observed or if it appears discolored (should appear a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid) To minimize loss of potency, administer immediately after reconstitution; discard if reconstituted vaccine not used within 30 minutes SC or IM Administration Withdraw entire amount of reconstituted vaccine from vial, inject total volume SC/IM and discard vial Storage Unopened frozen lyophilized product During shipping Maintain temperature between −58ºF and +5ºF (−50ºC and −15ºC) Use of dry ice may subject vaccine to temperatures colder than −58ºF (−50ºC) Protect from light Before reconstitution Freeze at temperature between −58ºF and +5ºF (−50ºC and −15ºC) Any freezer (eg, chest, frost-free) that reliably maintains an average temperature between as defined above and has a separate sealed freezer door is acceptable for storing Routine defrost cycling of a frost-free freezer is acceptable May be refrigerated at 36-46ºF (2-8ºC) for up to 72 continuous hr before reconstitution; discard if not used within 72 hr of removal freezer Protect from light Unopened refrigerator-stable lyophilized product During shipping Maintain temperature of 2-8ºC or colder (36-46ºF or colder), but do not exceed temperatures lower than -50ºC (-58ºF) Use of dry ice may subject vaccine to temperatures colder than −58ºF (−50ºC) Protect from light Before reconstitution Shelf-life of 24 months when refrigerated at 2-8ºC or colder (36-46ºF or colder) May also be stored in a freezer; if subsequently transferred to refrigerator, DO NOT REFREEZE Protect from light Diluent vial Store separately at room temperature (20-25ºC [68-77ºF]), or refrigerate No images available for this drug. No images available for this drug.A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.Print FormularyPatient DiscountsAdding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.Create Your List of PlansAdding plans allows you to:View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop. The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information. View explanations for tiers and restrictions Tier Description 1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs. 2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs. 3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs. 4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products. 5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products. 6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products. NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan. Code Definition PA Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription. QL Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered. ST Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription. OR Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription. 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