home > drugs a-z list > menactra (polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine) drug center > menactra (polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

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.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling of arms/legs, muscle weakness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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 vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to latex; 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).

This vaccine can cause some patients to faint, which could cause falling and injury. To reduce the risk of this side effect, your doctor may recommend that you stay in a sitting or lying position for 15 minutes after the injection. Infrequently, fainting along with seizure-like movements have occurred, and have usually been stopped by placing the patient in a lying position with the face up.

During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.