Drug Notes

Diphtheria/acellular pertussis/tetanus vaccine (DTaP) (By injection)

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

• A nurse or other health professional will give this vaccine. The vaccine is given as a shot into a muscle. Most children will receive a series of 5 shots.
• Other vaccines may be given at the same time as this one. You should receive other information sheets on those vaccines. 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.
• 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 has recently received any of the following:
  • Immune globulin
  • Blood thinner (such as warfarin)
  • Any treatment that weakens the immune system, such as cancer medicine, radiation treatment, or a steroid

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell the doctor if your child has a bleeding disorder or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Also tell the doctor if your child has had a severe reaction to a vaccine, including fever or prolonged crying. Make sure the doctor knows if your child was premature.
• This vaccine may cause the following problems:
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Tell the doctor if your child is allergic to latex rubber or if your child has been sick or had a fever recently.

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017