Pronunciation: TET-a-nus/dif-THEER-ee-a
Generic Name: Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids (Td) Vaccine
Brand Name: Decavac
Decavac is used for:
Preventing tetanus and diphtheria infections.
Decavac is a vaccine. It works by stimulating the body to produce antibodies against tetanus and diphtheria.
Do NOT use Decavac if:
- you allergic to any ingredient in Decavac
- you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness) to any previous dose of this or a similar vaccine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Decavac:
Some medical conditions may interact with Decavac. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if the patient has any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a fever, infection, or other recent illness; cancer; a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome or poor health; or a weakened immune system (eg, HIV infection, AIDS)
- if you have a history of bleeding problems (eg, hemophilia), blood problems (eg, leukemia, lymphoma), or easy bruising or bleeding
- if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- if you have recently received another vaccine
Tell your health care provider if the patient is taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding at the injection site may be increased
- Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), medicines to treat cancer, or other medicines that may weaken the immune system because they may decrease Decavac's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Decavac may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Decavac:
Use Decavac as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Decavac is given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
- If you miss a dose of Decavac, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your dose.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Decavac.
Important safety information:
- Decavac may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Decavac with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Decavac before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you will be receiving other vaccines.
- Decavac may not protect everyone who receives it from tetanus or diphtheria. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Decavac is not approved for CHILDREN younger than 7 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Decavac while you are pregnant. It is not known if Decavac is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Decavac, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Decavac:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Headache; mild fever; minor pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; tiredness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blistering or sores at the injection site; fainting; muscle spasms; numbness or tingling of the arms or legs; seizure; severe or persistent dizziness, fever, or vomiting; severe or persistent joint pain; severe or persistent muscle weakness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Decavac side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Decavac:Decavac is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Decavac at home, store Decavac as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Protect from light. Keep Decavac out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Decavac, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Decavac is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Decavac. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
More Decavac resources
- Decavac Side Effects (in more detail)
- Decavac Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Decavac Drug Interactions
- 0 Reviews for Decavac - Add your own review/rating
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