Diphtheria Toxoid / Pertussis, Acellular / Tetanus Toxoid Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 23, 2025.

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

Precautions

It is very important that you call the doctor right away if you or your child have any unwanted effects after receiving the vaccine. This may include fainting, seizures, a high fever, crying that will not stop, or severe redness or swelling where the shot was given.

This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after you get the injection.

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 have any of these symptoms.

It is very important to tell the doctor if you or your child are allergic to rubber. The tip caps of the prefilled syringes may contain dry natural latex rubber. This may cause an allergic reaction if you have a latex allergy.

This vaccine will not treat an active infection. If you or your child have a diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis infection, you will need medicine to treat the infection.

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 toxoid / pertussis, acellular / 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:

Serious side effects

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

For healthcare professionals

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

General adverse events

The most reported side effects included injection site pain, injection site erythema, and injection site swelling.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Hypotension, edema, myocarditis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, pruritus, urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (13.3%), diarrhea (10.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Lymph node swelling/axillary adenopathy^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity reaction,
• Postmarketing reports: Arthus hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (87.1%), injection site erythema (24.7%), injection site swelling (21%)
• Frequency not reported: Injection site bruising, injection site nodule, injection site sterile abscess
• Postmarketing reports: Large (over 50 mm) injection site reactions, extensive limb swelling from the injection site beyond one or both joints^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Anorexia/decreased appetite^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Body ache or muscle weakness (30.4%), chills (15.1%), sore and swollen joints (11.3%), arthralgia
• Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia
• Frequency not reported: Myositis
• Postmarketing reports: Muscle spasm^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (43.7%)
• Frequency not reported: Brachial neuritis, convulsions, facial palsy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hypoesthesia, myelitis, nerve compression in neck and left arm, paresthesia, severe migraine with unilateral facial paralysis, syncope^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Tiredness/fatigue/asthenia (31.5%), chills (15.1%), malaise
• Common (1% to 10%): Fever/pyrexia^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Diphtheria toxoid/pertussis, acellular/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.

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