Diphtheria/Tetanus Toxoids; Pertussis; Haemophilus influenzae Vaccine

What is this medicine?

DIPHTHERIA and TETANUS TOXOIDS; PERTUSSIS VACCINE; HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B CONJUGATE VACCINE (dif THEER ee uh and TET n us TOK soids; per TUS iss vak SEEN; hem OFF fil us in floo En zuh tahyp B CON ju gate ed vak SEEN) is used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus type b infections.

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 children as young as 15 months old 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

• breathing problems

• fever of 103 degrees F or more

• flu-like symptoms

• inconsolable crying

• infection

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• seizures

• swelling of arm or leg that was injected

• 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):

• diarrhea

• fever of 102 degrees F or less

• fussy, irritable

• loss of appetite

• pain, redness, swelling, or a 'knot' at site where injected

• tiredness

• vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

• medicines that suppress your immune system like adalimumab, anakinra, and infliximab

• medicines to treat cancer

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up vaccines as directed. 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:

• blood disorders like hemophilia

• fever or infection

• history of Guillain-Barre syndrome

• immune system problems

• neurologic disease

• seizures

• take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

• an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, thimerosal, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check-ups as directed. This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious or unusual side effects after getting this vaccine.