Uses

This vaccine is used to help prevent problems that may occur with 2 bacterial infections in children (tetanus and diphtheria). Tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria can cause serious, sometimes fatal problems (heart problems, nerve problems, muscle paralysis).Vaccination is the best way to protect (provide immunity) against these life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by getting the body to make its own protection (antibodies).This vaccine is recommended for all children 6 weeks to 7 years old. It should never be used in anyone 7 years or older because it contains a higher amount of the drug than the vaccine meant for people older than 7 years. Older children and adults may have more severe reactions to the higher amounts.

How to use DIPHTHERIA-TETANUS TOXOIDS-PED Vial

Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care professional.

This vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm by a health care professional.

Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by your health care professional. Keep all scheduled medical appointments. It may be helpful to mark a calendar as a reminder. There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your age, vaccination history, and previous reaction to vaccines, your health care professional will decide which vaccines are best for you. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with your health care professional.

Side Effects

Pain/redness/warmth/bruising/swelling at the injection site, tiredness, fever, dizziness, nausea, and joint aches may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your child's health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell the health care professional right away if your child has any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because the health care professional has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your health care professional right away if your child has any serious side effects, including: shoulder pain, muscle weakness, numbness/tingling.

A severe reaction at the injection site may rarely occur. Tell the health care professional if your child develops any of the following injection site reactions: lump that doesn't go away, severe pain, large area of swelling/redness/bruising.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice your child having any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your child's health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Precautions

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to it; or to any other vaccines; or to latex; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this vaccination, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of: current fever/illness, a certain nerve disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome), immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment).

This vaccine is not for use in adults. It is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Consult your health care professional if you have any questions about this vaccine.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine are: drugs that weaken the immune system (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone).

Other vaccines may be given at the same time as this vaccine, but they should be given with separate syringes and at different injection sites.

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Overdose

Not applicable.

Notes Notes

As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not fully protect everyone who receives it.

Keep vaccine records for yourself and all of your children, and after your children are grown, provide their records to them and their health care professionals. This will prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

It is important that your child receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to ask when your child should receive the next dose. It may help to make a note on your calendar to remind you. If your child misses a dose, call the health care professional right away to reschedule.

Storage Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.