Diphtheria Toxoid / Pertussis, Acellular / Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated / Tetanus Toxoid Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 17, 2023.

Applies to diphtheria toxoid / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid: intramuscular suspension.

Other side effects

Some side effects of diphtheria toxoid / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / 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

• loss of appetite
• pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• sleepiness

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, diphtheria toxoid/pertussis, acellular/poliovirus vaccine, inactivated/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/pertussis, acellular/poliovirus vaccine, inactivated/tetanus toxoid:

Rare

• blurred vision
• confusion
• decreased urination
• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• inability to speak
• irritability
• itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• muscle twitching
• nausea
• rapid breathing
• restlessness
• seizures
• severe or sudden headache
• slurred speech
• stomach pain
• sunken eyes
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• temporary blindness
• thirst
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness
• weakness in the arm and/or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
• wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• bluish lips or skin
• chest tightness
• collapse or shock-like state
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• hives
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• skin rash
• slow breathing
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin
• unusual bleeding or bruising

For healthcare professionals

Applies to diphtheria toxoid / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid: intramuscular suspension.

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (77.4%), change in limb circumference (68.1%), injection site erythema (59.1%), injection site swelling (40.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Extensive limb swelling
• Postmarketing reports: Injection site reactions (including inflammation, mass, sterile abscess, and edema), large injection site reactions (over 50 mm) including limb swelling from the injection site beyond one or both joints, injection site cellulitis, injection site abscess^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity, allergic reactions (including rash, urticaria, dyspnea)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Malaise (35%)
• Postmarketing reports: Listlessness^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (15.6%)
• Postmarketing reports: Somnolence, convulsion, febrile convulsion, hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (HHE), hypotonia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Cyanosis, pallor^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Postmarketing reports: Screaming^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (53.8%)^[Ref]

Further information

Diphtheria toxoid/pertussis, acellular/poliovirus vaccine, inactivated/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