Diphtheria/acellular pertussis/tetanus booster vaccine (Tdap) (Injection)

Introduction:

Pertussis Vaccine, Acellular (per-TUS-iss vak-seen, a-SELL-yoo-lar), Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid (ree-DOOST dif-THEER-ee-a TOX-oyd), Tetanus Toxoid (TET-n-us TOX-oyd)

Protects against infections caused by tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, or pertussis (whooping cough). This is a booster vaccine given to patients who are at least 10 years old.

Brand Name(s):

Adacel, Boostrix

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to the separate or combined tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis vaccine. This vaccine should not be given if you have had seizures, mental changes, a coma, or any other serious reaction within 7 days after getting a pertussis-containing vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
  • You may receive other vaccinations at the same time as this one, but in a different body area. You should receive other information sheets on those vaccinations. Make sure you understand all the information given to you.
  • You may also receive medicines to help prevent or treat some minor side effects of the vaccine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have recently received immune globulin. Tell your doctor if you are receiving a treatment that may weaken the immune system. This may include a steroid drug (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®), radiation, or chemotherapy.
  • Also tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have been sick or had a fever recently.
  • Tell your doctor about any reaction you have had after receiving any type of vaccine. This includes fainting, seizure, fever over 105 degrees F, or severe redness or swelling where the shot was given. Tell your doctor if you have had Guillain-Barre syndrome (severe muscle weakness and loss of feeling).
  • Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has epilepsy or any other nervous system problem. Also tell your doctor if you have had a bleeding disorder (such as hemophilia) or blood-clotting problem.
  • Some packages that contain this medicine have latex in them. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex rubber.
  • This vaccine may not work as well if there is a problem with your immune system. Tell your doctor if you are receiving treatment that may weaken your immune system. Your doctor might still want to use this vaccine, because there may be some benefit.
  • Tell your health caregiver if it has been less than 5 years since your last diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP). It is best to wait at least 5 years before getting this booster.

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.
  • Chest pain.
  • Fever of 105 degrees F or higher.
  • Increased thirst, hunger, or urination.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • Seizures or chills.
  • Severe muscle weakness, cramps, or pain.
  • Severe pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
  • Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Body aches.
  • Headache.
  • Joint pain or swelling.
  • Low fever.
  • Mild pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
  • Skin rash or itching.
  • Tiredness.
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