Diphtheria/tetanus/acellular pertussis/polio/hib vaccine (Injection)

Introduction

Protects babies and young children against infections caused by diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. This vaccine is only given to infants and children who are 6 weeks to 4 years of age, and is given before the child's 5th birthday.

Brand Name(s)

Pentacel

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

This vaccine should not be given to a child who has had an allergic reaction to the separate or combined diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, or Haemophilus b vaccines. Do not give this vaccine to a child who has had seizures or collapsed within 7 days after receiving a pertussis vaccine. This vaccine should not be given to a child who has certain nervous system problems or seizures that are not under control.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable, Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your child's exact dose. This vaccine is given as a shot into one of your child's muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this vaccine.
• This vaccine is usually given as a series of 4 shots.
• Your child may receive other vaccines at the same time as this one, but in a different body area. You should receive patient information sheets about all of the vaccines. Make sure you understand all of the information that is given to you.
• Your child may also receive medicines to help prevent or treat some minor side effects of the vaccine, such as fever and soreness.

If a dose is missed:

• 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 with the doctor 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.

• Make sure your doctor knows if your child is using a medicine that weakens the immune system, such as a steroid or cancer medicine. This vaccine may not work as well if your child has a weak immune system.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if your child has been sick or had a fever recently. Tell your doctor about any reaction your child has had after receiving any type of vaccine. This includes fainting, seizures, a fever over 105 degrees F, crying that would not stop, or severe redness or swelling where the shot was given. Tell your doctor if your child has had Guillain-Barre syndrome after a tetanus vaccine.
• Tell your child's doctor about all other vaccines your child has had. This vaccine might be used to finish a series of vaccines.
• This vaccine will not treat an active infection. If your child has an infection due to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, or Haemophilus influenzae type b, your child will need medicines to treat these infections.

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
• Bluish-colored skin, lips, or nailbed.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath.
• Chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Crying constantly for 3 hours or more.
• Fever over 105 degrees F.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
• Seizures.
• Severe headache.
• Severe muscle weakness or numbness.
• Severe sleepiness or drowsiness.

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

• Decreased appetite.
• Fussiness or irritability.
• Mild pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or a lump where the shot was given.
• Paleness, redness, or other changes in skin color.
• Stuffy or runny nose.

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