Infanrix (DTaP)(PF) 25 Lf unit-58mcg-10 Lf/0.5mL intramuscular syringe

Generic name:
Diphtheria/tetanus/acellular pertussis (pediatric) - injection

Pronunciation
(dip-THEER-ee-uh/TET-un-us/per-TUSS-iss)

Brand name(s)
Daptacel , Infanrix , Tripedia

This vaccine is given to provide protection (immunity) against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough) in children between 6 weeks and 7 years old.

Vaccination is the best way to protect against these life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies).

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 a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually given in the upper arm or upper thigh.

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.

This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines (such as hepatitis B) using a separate needle and injection site.

Mild fever, irritability, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleepiness, diarrhea, or pain/swelling/redness at the injection site may occur. Acetaminophen may be used to reduce these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell the 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:

• high fever (105 degrees F/40 degrees C or higher)
• nonstop crying (beginning within 48 hours of the injection and lasting longer than 3 hours)
• seizure
• listlessness/unresponsiveness
• muscle weakness/floppy muscles

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
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the 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.

Before your child receives this vaccination, tell the health care professional if your child is allergic to it; or to any other vaccines; or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before using this vaccine, tell your health care professional your child's medical history, especially of:

• history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
• immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment)
• illness/infection
• seizures
• other nervous system disorders (such as paralysis, numbness/tingling, extreme drowsiness, confusion)
• previous reactions to any vaccine (such as high fever, seizures, paralysis, decreased responsiveness)

This vaccine is usually not used by adults or children 7 years or older. No information on pregnancy or breastfeeding is included. Vaccines for this age group are available. Consult your health care professional.

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 (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone)
• other recent/planned vaccinations (such as diphtheria/tetanus toxoids)

Not applicable.

There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your child's age, medical condition, and any previous reactions to vaccines, your child's health care professional will determine the most appropriate one for your child. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with the health care professional.

History of infection with tetanus or diphtheria does not always protect against future infections with these bacteria. Your child should still receive this vaccine if the health care professional orders it.

It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when the vaccination was last given for your child's medical record.

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.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.