Diphtheria Toxoid, Adsorbed (dif-THEER-ee-a TOX-oyd, ad-SORBD), Pertussis Vaccine, Acellular (per-TUS-iss VAX-een, a-SELL-yoo-lar), Tetanus Toxoid (TET-a-nus TOX-oyd)

Protects against infections caused by diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).

Brand Name(s):

Adacel, Boostrix, Daptacel, Infanrix

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• This vaccine is usually given as a series of 4 or 5 shots.
• Your child may also receive medicines to help prevent or treat some minor side effects of the vaccine.
• Missed dose: If this vaccine is part of a series of vaccines, it is important that your child receive all of the shots. Try to keep all scheduled appointments. If your child must miss a shot, make another appointment 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.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how DTaP vaccine works. Tell the doctor if your child is receiving a treatment or medicine that weakens your immune system (including cancer medicine, radiation treatment, or steroid medicines), or blood thinner (including warfarin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if your child has a bleeding disorder or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Tell your doctor if your child has had a severe reaction to a vaccine, including fever or prolonged crying. Tell your doctor if your child was premature.
• This vaccine may increase your risk for severe nerve and muscle problems (including Guillain-Barré syndrome).
• This vaccine will not treat an active infection. If you have a diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis infection, you will need medicine to treat the infection.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

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 face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Crying constantly for 3 hours or more
• Fever over 105 degrees F
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Seizures
• Severe muscle weakness, sleepiness, or drowsiness

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

• Fussiness or irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Mild pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or a lump where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088