What is this medication?

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).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): DECAVAC, TDVAX, TENIVAC

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

How should I use this medication?

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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medication?

• 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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

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

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.