Drugs & Vitamins

Decavac Active Ingredients: Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids Adsorbed Representative Names: Decavac What is Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td? What side effects may I notice from receiving Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td? What should I watch for while taking Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td? Where can I keep my medicine? What is Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td? (Back to top) DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXOIDS ADSORBED (DT, Td, Decavac™) injection protects against diphtheria and tetanus (lockjaw). The toxoids help the body produce antibodies (protective substances) that will fight these diseases. Most school systems in the U.S. require that children receive immunization. DT is given to children after 6 weeks of age and usually requires two additional doses. A follow up dose is given one year later and a booster is administered prior to entry into school. Td is given to adults who require a booster (usually every 10 years). Persons who have a deep or dirty wound may also receive a booster at the time of treatment for the injury. DT and Td toxoid injections are available from many manufacturers. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, steroid therapy or HIV infection) •blood disorders, such as hemophilia •fever •infection (moderate or severe) •an unusual reaction to Diphtheria Toxoid Adsorbed, Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td, thimerosal, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) DT or Td toxoids are only for injection into a muscle. The toxoid is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital, clinic or prescriber's office. DT injection is for infants and children as young as 6 weeks and up to 7 years old. Td injection is for children 7 years old or adults. The use of this toxoid must be officially recorded. Federal law requires that the manufacturer's name and lot number; name, address, and phone number of the person giving the toxoid; and the date of administration be recorded in the patient's permanent medical record. Your health professional will give you written information on this vaccine. You should read and understand all of the information. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) Remember to keep appointments for follow-up (booster) doses. Notify your health-care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment or miss a scheduled dose. What drug(s) may interact with Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td? (Back to top) •medicines that keep your blood from clotting (anticoagulants or blood thinners, like warfarin) •chemotherapy (drugs to treat cancer) or radiation therapy •cholera vaccine •medicines that suppress your immune function (e.g., corticosteroids, etanercept, anakinra, infliximab, adalimumab) •plague vaccine •typhoid vaccine Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing •difficulty swallowing •fever (100 degrees F or more) •skin rash, hives, or itching •swelling of eyes or face Side effects that usually do not require immediate medical attention (report these side effects to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •fussy •less appetite •pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, or a 'knot' at the injection site •tired What should I watch for while taking Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td? (Back to top) Report any adverse reaction following administration to your health care provider. Contact your prescriber or health care professional and seek emergency medical care if any serious side effects occur. Children receiving DT immunization should be carefully observed for 24—72 hours after receiving the injection. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Each dose of the toxoid will be administered in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given doses to store at home. Last Updated:07/13/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.