Pentacel Side Effects

Generic name: diphtheria toxoid / haemophilus b conjugate (prp-t) vaccine / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid

Note: This document contains side effect information about diphtheria toxoid / haemophilus b conjugate (prp-t) vaccine / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Pentacel.

Some side effects of Pentacel may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to diphtheria toxoid / haemophilus b conjugate (prp-t) vaccine / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid: intramuscular kit

Your child should not receive a booster vaccine if he or she had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. When the child receives a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with diphtheria, haemophilus influenzae, pertussis, tetanus, or polio is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving the vaccine to protect against these diseases. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking diphtheria toxoid / haemophilus b conjugate (prp-t) vaccine / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if the child has any of these serious side effects:

• extreme drowsiness, fainting;

• fussiness, irritability, crying for an hour or longer;

• seizure (black-out or convulsions); or

• high fever.

Less serious side effects of diphtheria toxoid / haemophilus b conjugate (prp-t) vaccine / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid may include:

• redness, pain, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given;

• low fever;

• mild fussiness or crying;

• headache or tiredness;

• joint pain, body aches;

• loss of appetite; or

• mild nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to diphtheria toxoid / haemophilus b conjugate (prp-t) vaccine / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid: intramuscular kit

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included cyanosis, and pallor.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included erythema and skin discoloration.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, gastroenteritis, and dehydration.

General

General side effects have included fever, decreased activity, lethargy, inconsolable crying, fussiness, screaming, and irritability.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included rash and urticaria.

Local

Local side effects have included redness, swelling, tenderness, and an increase in arm circumference.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes, seizures, depressed level of consciousness, encephalopathy, meningitis, and somnolence.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included rhinitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, apnea, and cough.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.