Diphtheria/acellular pertussis/tetanus vaccine (DTaP) (Injection)

Introduction:

Diphtheria Toxoid, Adsorbed (dif-THEER-ee-a TOX-oyd, ad-SORBD), Pertussis Vaccine, Acellular (per-TUS-iss vak-seen, a-SELL-yoo-lar), Tetanus Toxoid (TET-n-us TOX-oyd)

Protects against infections caused by diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). This vaccine is given only to infants and children 6 weeks to 7 years of age (before the child's 7th birthday).

Brand Name(s):

Tripedia, Infanrix, Daptacel, Adacel, Boostrix

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

Your child should not receive this vaccine if your child has had an allergic reaction to the separate or combined tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis vaccine. This vaccine should not be given to a child who had seizures, mental changes, coma, or any other serious reactions within 7 days after receiving a pertussis vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your child's exact dose. This vaccine is given as a shot into one of your child's muscles.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this vaccine.
  • This vaccine is usually given as a series of 5 shots.
  • Your child may receive other vaccinations at the same time as this one but in different body area. You should receive other information sheets on those vaccinations. Make sure you understand all the information given to you.
  • Your child may also receive medicines to help prevent or treat some minor side effects of the vaccine.

If a dose is missed:

  • If this vaccine is part of a series of vaccines, it is important that your child receive all of the shots in this series. Try to keep all scheduled appointments. If your child must miss a shot, make another appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if your child has recently received immune globulin. Tell your doctor if your child is receiving a treatment that may weaken the immune system. This may include a steroid drug (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®), radiation, or chemotherapy.
  • Also tell your doctor if your child is using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if your child has been sick or had a fever recently. Tell your doctor about any reaction your child has had after receiving any type of vaccine. This includes fainting, seizure, fever over 105 degrees F, crying that would not stop, or severe redness or swelling where the shot was given. Tell your doctor if your child has had Guillain-Barre syndrome (severe muscle weakness and loss of feeling).
  • Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has epilepsy or any other nervous system problem. Also tell your doctor if your child has a bleeding disorder (such as hemophilia) or blood-clotting problem.
  • Some packages that contain this medicine have latex in them. Tell your doctor if your child is allergic to latex rubber.
  • This vaccine will not treat an active infection. If your child has an infection due to tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis (whooping cough), your child needs a different medicine.
  • This vaccine may not work as well if there is a problem with your child's immune system. Tell your doctor if your child is receiving treatment that may weaken his immune system. Your doctor might still want to use this vaccine, because there may be some benefit.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your child's face or hands, swelling or tingling in your child's mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Arm or leg swelling.
  • Bluish-colored skin, lips, or nailbeds.
  • Crying constantly for 3 hours or more.
  • Fever of 105 degrees F or higher.
  • Itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth on skin.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Seizures.
  • Severe muscle weakness or pain, loss of feeling.
  • Severe pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
  • Severe sleepiness or drowsiness.
  • Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or passing stools with blood or mucus.
  • Swollen, painful, or tender lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Cough or colds.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Ear pain.
  • Fussiness, irritability, or restlessness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Low fever.
  • Mild pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or a lump where the shot was given.
  • Tiredness.
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