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Boostrix

Tetanus facts

  • Tetanus is frequently a fatal infectious disease.
  • Tetanus is caused by a type of bacteria (Clostridium tetani).
  • The tetanus bacteria often enter the body through a puncture wound, which can be caused by nails, splinters, insect bites, burns, any skin break, and injection-drug sites.
  • All children and adults should be immunized against tetanus by receiving vaccinations.
  • A tetanus booster is needed every 10 years after primary immunization or after a puncture or other skin wound which could provide the tetanus bacteria an opportunity to enter the body.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is an acute, often-fatal disease of the nervous system that is caused by nerve toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is found throughout the world in the soil and in animal and human intestines.

Where do tetanus bacteria ...

Boostrix

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Boostrix Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur. Headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, fever, chills, vomiting, or sore/swollen joints may also occur. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (non-aspirin) may be used to reduce soreness. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US, you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other vaccines; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: illness or infection with high fever, uncontrolled seizures or other nervous system disorder (e.g., encephalopathy).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders, history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, immune system disorders (e.g., autoimmune disorders, radiation treatment), other illnesses or infections including pertussis, seizures (e.g., epilepsy controlled by medication, febrile seizures) or other nervous system disorders, vaccination history including previous reactions to any vaccines.

This vaccine should not be used in children less than 10 years of age because the lower strength may not provide enough protection. Consult your healthcare professional for vaccines for this age group.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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