diphtheria and tetanus toxoids combined (pediatric) - injection

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GENERIC NAME: DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXOIDS COMBINED (PEDIATRIC) - INJECTION (dip-THEER-ee-uh AND TET-un-us TOX-oids)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used in children to help prevent problems that may occur with 2 bacterial infections. Diphtheria and tetanus used to be common childhood diseases that caused serious, sometimes fatal problems (heart problems, nerve problems, muscle paralysis). Vaccination during childhood has made these diseases rare and can prevent the problems from infection with the bacteria.The toxoids in this vaccine are poisons (toxins) produced by the bacteria, but they are inactivated so that they cannot cause disease. This vaccine causes the body to make immune defensive substances (antibodies) against the toxins so that your child will be protected from the effects if ever infected by the bacteria.This vaccine is recommended for all children 6 weeks to 7 years, including those who are infected with HIV. This medication does not contain a preservative.Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (pediatric) injection should never be used in anyone 7 years or older since it contains higher amounts of the toxoids than the vaccine meant for people older than 7 years. Older children and adults may have more severe reactions to the higher amounts.

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