DECAVAC®
(tetanus and diphtheria toxoids adsorbed)
DECAVAC®, Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids Adsorbed (Td), manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc. for intramuscular injection, is a sterile suspension of alum (aluminum potassium sulfate)-precipitated toxoids in an isotonic sodium chloride solution. The vaccine, after shaking, is a turbid liquid, whitish-gray in color.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae cultures are grown in a modified Mueller and Miller medium.1 Clostridium tetani cultures are grown in a peptone-based medium containing an extract of bovine muscle tissue. The bovine muscle tissue used in this medium is US sourced. Tetanus and diphtheria toxins produced during the growth of the cultures are detoxified with formaldehyde. The detoxified materials are then separately purified by serial ammonium sulfate fractionation and diafiltration, and adsorbed onto alum.
Each 0.5 mL dose of DECAVAC (tetanus and diphtheria toxoids adsorbed) vaccine is formulated to contain the following active ingredients: 5 Lf of tetanus toxoid and 2 Lf of diphtheria toxoid. The tetanus and diphtheria toxoids induce at least 2 units and 0.5 units of antitoxin per mL of serum, respectively, in the guinea pig potency test. Each 0.5 mL dose also contains a trace amount of thimerosal [mercury derivative, ( ≤ 0.3 μg mercury/dose) not as a preservative] from the manufacturing process, aluminum adjuvant (not more than 0.28 mg aluminum by assay), and not more than 100 μg (0.02%) of residual formaldehyde.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.
Becoming infected with tetanus or diphtheria is much more dangerous to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against these diseases. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Decavac »
Before receiving this vaccine, 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, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current fever/illness, a certain nerve disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome), bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia).
Some brands of this product may contain a small amount of mercury from a preservative (thimerosal). Consult your doctor for more information.
During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits...
1. Mueller JH, et al. Production of diphtheria toxin of high potency (100 Lf) on a reproducible medium. J Immunol 40:1941;21-32.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.
Becoming infected with tetanus or diphtheria is much more dangerous to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against these diseases. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Decavac »
Before receiving this vaccine, 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, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current fever/illness, a certain nerve disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome), bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia).
Some brands of this product may contain a small amount of mercury from a preservative (thimerosal). Consult your doctor for more information.
During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits...
Last reviewed on RxList: 10/29/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
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.
Find out what women really need.
RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
Updated & New