Diphtheria And Tetanus Toxoids / Pertussis, Acellular Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 27, 2025.

Applies to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / pertussis, acellular: intramuscular suspension.

Other side effects

Some side effects of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / pertussis, acellular 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 side effects

• fever of 99.5 °F or more
• fussiness
• loss of appetite
• mild pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site
• restlessness
• weight loss

Incidence not known

• crying
• ear pain

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, diphtheria and tetanus toxoids/pertussis, acellular 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 and tetanus toxoids / pertussis, acellular:

Less common side effects

• collapse or shock-like state
• crying for 3 hours or more
• fever over 102.2 °F
• redness or swelling of 4 inches or more at the injection site
• seizures
• severe pain at the injection site

Incidence not known

• agitation
• back pain
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• blood in the urine or stools
• bloody nose
• bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
• blurred vision
• chest tightness
• confusion
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fast heartbeat
• hallucinations
• headache
• hoarseness
• irritability
• irritation
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• loss of bladder control
• loss of consciousness
• loss of strength or energy
• muscle pain or weakness
• nausea and vomiting
• pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
• screaming
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stiff neck
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• total body jerking
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / pertussis, acellular: intramuscular suspension.

Nervous system adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Irritability/fussiness (62%), drowsiness (54%), loss of appetite (27%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Persistent crying (3 or more hours)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Seizures
• Postmarketing reports: Encephalopathy, headache, hypotonia, syncope^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Local redness (39%), local pain (32%), local swelling (25%)
• Postmarketing reports: Injection site reaction, injection site induration^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fever (100.4F or higher) (30%)
• Postmarketing reports: Ear pain, fatigue, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Postmarketing reports: Bronchitis, cellulitis, respiratory tract infection^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Cyanosis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, erythema, pruritus, rash, urticaria^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Postmarketing reports: Apnea, cough^[Ref]

Further information

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids/pertussis, acellular 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer