GENERIC NAME: DIPHTHERIA/TETANUS/PERTUSSIS VACCINE - INJECTION (dip-THEER-ee-uh/TET-un-us/per-TUSS-iss vack-SEEN)

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

USES: This medication is given to provide protection (immunity) against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) disease in children and adults aged 11 to 54 years.

HOW TO USE: Shake the medication well before using. This medication is given by injection into a muscle (IM) by a health care professional. It is usually given in the upper arm. This vaccine should not be injected directly into a vein (IV). Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. If you are also receiving Hepatitis B vaccine at the same time, then this vaccine should be injected at a different location with a separate syringe.

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur. Headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, fever, chills, vomiting, or sore/swollen joints may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: illness or infection with fever. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders, seizure disorder, immune system disorders (e.g., autoimmune disorders, HIV infection, receiving cancer chemotherapy), history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, previous reactions to any vaccines, any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Tetanus - Get the facts on tetanus causes (Clostridium tetani bacterial infection), symptoms and signs (lockjaw), diagnosis, vaccination (DTaP) side effects, booster and treatment. Source:MedicineNet Whooping Cough (Pertussis) - Get the facts on whooping cough (pertussis) symptoms, signs, stages, causes (Bordetella pertussis), diagnosis, treatment and vaccine information. Source:MedicineNet Read 9 more diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis vaccine-injection related articles ... Health Tip: Treating an Ulcer Health Tip: Discussing Death With Children Breast Cancer Tends to Grow Faster in Younger Women Mental Illness Costs U.S. Billions in Lost Earnings Health Highlights: May 8, 2008 Computer Program Helps Drug Abusers Stay Clean TV Coverage of Tragedies Often Lacks Prevention Messages Secret to Treating Tinnitus in Vets May Be Unlocked in Zebrafish Gene Variant Boosts Risk of Severe Diabetic Eye, Kidney Diseases Outside Workers Least Likely to Get Skin Exams