Diphtheria And Tetanus Toxoids / Pertussis, Acellular Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 13, 2024.
Applies to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / pertussis, acellular: intramuscular suspension.
Precautions
It is very important that the doctor check your child at regular visits to make sure this vaccine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects. It is very important that you return to your child's doctor for the next dose in the series.
Contact your doctor immediately if your child has sudden weakness in the arms and legs. This could be a sign of a serious condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome.
It is very important to tell the doctor if your child is allergic to rubber. The Tripedia® vial and syringes may contain dry natural latex rubber, which may cause an allergic reaction if your child has a latex allergy.
This vaccine will not treat an active infection. If your child has an infection due to diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis, your child will need medicines to treat these infections.
Fainting may occur after you receive this vaccine. You may also have vision changes, numbness or tingling in your arms, hands, or feet, or jerky movements of the arms and legs. Call the doctor right away if you or your child has any of these symptoms.
Be sure to tell your child's doctor about any side effects that occur after your child receives the vaccine. This may include seizures, fever, crying that will not stop, or severe redness or swelling where the shot was given.
This vaccine may cause apnea (breathing stops for short periods) in some premature infants. Discuss this with your child's doctor if you are concerned.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
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]
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References
1. (2022) "Product Information. Infanrix (DTaP) Preservative Free (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTaP) pediatric vaccine)." GlaxoSmithKline
More about diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / pertussis, acellular
- Check interactions
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: vaccine combinations
Patient resources
Other brands
Daptacel (DTaP), Infanrix (DTaP), Tripedia (DTaP)
Professional resources
Other brands
Daptacel (DTaP), Infanrix (DTaP)
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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.