Diphtheria Toxoid/tetanus Toxoid Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 14, 2023.

Applies to diphtheria toxoid/tetanus toxoid: intramuscular suspension.

Other side effects

Some side effects of diphtheria toxoid/tetanus toxoid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• hard lumps, redness, tenderness, or warmth at the injection site

Less common

• headache

Incidence not known

• difficulty with moving
• joint pain
• lack or loss of strength
• muscle aching or cramping
• muscle stiffness
• nausea
• pain in the arms or legs
• swollen joints
• vomiting

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, diphtheria toxoid/tetanus toxoid may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking diphtheria toxoid/tetanus toxoid:

Less common

• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chills
• convulsions
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• hives
• itching
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rapid weight gain
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• swelling or puffiness of the face
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• tightness in the chest
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss
• wheezing

For healthcare professionals

Applies to diphtheria toxoid/tetanus toxoid: intramuscular suspension.

General

The most common adverse events were slight pain at the injection site, crying, fever, and loss of appetite.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Crying (15.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fever 38C or higher^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Slight pain at the injection site (11%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Redness/swelling 2.5 cm or larger at the injection site, moderate pain at the injection site, hardness 2.5 cm or larger at the injection site
• Postmarketing reports: Injection site inflammation, injection site hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Loss of appetite^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Dizziness
• Postmarketing reports: Convulsion, somnolence, syncope, headache^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Pallor^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Rash, urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Postmarketing reports: Nausea^[Ref]

Further information

Diphtheria toxoid/tetanus toxoid side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer