Tripedia (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Whooping Cough (Pertussis) »

Whooping cough (pertussis) facts

Whooping cough (pertussis) is an acute, highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Whooping cough commonly affects infants and young children but can be prevented by immunization with pertussis vaccine.
Adults may develop whooping cough as their immunity from childhood vaccines wears off over time.
Clinical symptoms occur in three stages; the characteristic bursts of coughing are observed in the second, or paroxysmal, stage.
Antibiotics can help reduce the severity of the disease when administered early in the course of the disease.
Secondary bacterial pneumonia is the most common complication of whooping cough.

What is whooping cough? What is the history of whooping cough?

Whooping cough is a bacterial upper respiratory infection that leads to episodes of violent coughing. The d...

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Tripedia Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Acel-Imune, Certiva, Daptacel, Infanrix, Tripedia

Generic Name: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines (Pronunciation: DIF thee ree ah, TET ah nus, per TUH sis)

What are diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines (Tripedia)?

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airway. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes coughing so severe that it is hard for infants to eat, drink, or breathe. These spells can last for weeks. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures (convulsions), brain damage, and death.

Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Vaccines for these diseases expose the individual to a small amount of the bacteria, helping the body develop immunity to the disease.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP) can help prevent these diseases. Most children who are vaccinated with DTaP will be protected throughout childhood.

What are the possible side effects of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines (Tripedia)?

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. When the child receives the next booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the first shot caused any side effects. Getting diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis disease is much riskier than getting DTaP vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine, can cause side effects. The risk of DTaP vaccine causing a serious side effect is extremely small.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if the child has any of the following serious side effects:

loss of consciousness;
seizure (black-out or convulsions);
high fever, over 105 degrees; or
non-stop crying for 3 hours or more.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if your child has:

mild fever;
redness, pain, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given;
fussiness for 1-3 days after the shot;
tiredness or poor appetite for 1-3 days after the shot; or
vomiting for 1-3 days after the shot.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

To help reduce fever and pain, your doctor may recommend giving the child an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). This may be given at the time of the shot and over the next 24 hours. Your doctor will tell you the correct dose to use. Controlling fever is especially important if the child has a history of seizures.

What is the most important information I should know about diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines (Tripedia)?

Children should get 5 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years. The series should be completed before the child's seventh birthday.

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. When the child receives the next booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the first shot caused any side effects. Getting diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis disease is much riskier than getting DTaP vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects. The risk of DTaP vaccine causing a serious side effect is extremely small.

Any child who had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTaP should not receive another dose.

Any child who has had encephalitis (brain swelling) or a brain or nervous system disease within 7 days after a dose of DTaP should not receive another dose.

Children with a cold or fever can still be vaccinated. Children who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting DTaP vaccine.

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