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This medication 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). The vaccine is given in a series of doses to get the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by the doctor.
How to use Infanrix (PF) IM
Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care provider.
This medication is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually given in the upper arm or upper thigh.
Vaccination usually starts with an injection given every 2 months for the first 3 doses. A booster dose is given 6 to 12 months after the first 3 doses. A second booster dose is usually given before the child enters school at 4 to 6 years. Ask your child\'s doctor for a schedule of all your child\'s vaccinations. Follow this schedule closely. It may be helpful to mark a calendar as a reminder.
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 persist or worsen, tell the doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that the doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 the doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: high fever (105 degrees F/40 degrees C or higher), persistent crying (beginning within 48 hours of the injection and lasting longer than 3 hours), seizure, listlessness/unresponsiveness, numbness/tingling, muscle weakness/floppy muscles.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice 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 doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor 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 report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before your child receives this vaccination, tell the doctor or pharmacist 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), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if your child has certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult the doctor or pharmacist if your child has: history of severe reaction to vaccine (e.g., paralysis, encephalopathy), uncontrolled seizures or other nervous system disorder (e.g., unresponsiveness).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your child\'s medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, low platelets), history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, immune system disorders (e.g., autoimmune disorders, radiation treatment), illness/infection, seizures (e.g., epilepsy controlled by medication, febrile seizures), other nervous system disorders (e.g., paralysis, numbness/tingling, extreme drowsiness, confusion), previous reactions to any vaccine (e.g., high fever, seizures).
This vaccine is usually not used in adults or children 7 years or older. Therefore, no information on pregnancy or breast-feeding is included. Vaccines for this age group are available. Consult your health care professional.
Your child\'s doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring your child for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with the doctor or pharmacist first.
Before your child receives this vaccine, tell the doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products your child may use, especially of: \"blood thinners\" (e.g., warfarin), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone), cancer chemotherapy, drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus), other recent/planned vaccinations (e.g., diphtheria/tetanus toxoids).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:
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 provider.
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 doctor orders it.
MISSED DOSE:
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.
STORAGE:
Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor\'s office and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised August 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.