Diphtheria Toxoid; Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td

What is this medicine?

DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXOIDS ADSORBED (dif THEER ee uh and TET n us TOK soids ad SAWRB) is a vaccine. It is used to prevent infections of diphtheria and tetanus (lockjaw).

How should I use this medicine?

This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• arthritis pain

• breathing problems

• changes in hearing

• extreme changes in behavior

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever over 100 degrees F

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• seizures

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• aches or pains

• bruising, pain, swelling at site where injected

• headache

• loss of appetite

• low-grade fever of 100 degrees F or less

• nausea, vomiting

• sleepy

• swollen glands

What may interact with this medicine?

• adalimumab

• anakinra

• infliximab

• live vaccines

• medicines that suppress your immune system

• medicines to treat cancer

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like daily aspirin, enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin

• radiopharmaceuticals like iodine I-125 or I-131

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up (booster) doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorder

• immune system problems

• infection with fever

• low levels of platelets in the blood

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diphtheria or tetanus toxoid, latex, thimerosal, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Contact your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency medical care if any serious side effects occur.

This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.