Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids Adsorbed
Other Names: Decavac
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Decavac? (Back to top)
DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXOIDS ADSORBED is a vaccine. It is used to prevent infections of diphtheria and tetanus (lockjaw). This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorder
• immune system problems
• infection with fever
• low levels of platelets in the blood
• an unusual or allergic reaction to diphtheria or tetanus toxoid, latex, thimerosal, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
Keep appointments for follow-up (booster) doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• adalimumab
• anakinra
• infliximab
• live vaccines
• medicines that suppress your immune system
• medicines to treat cancer
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like daily aspirin, enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin
• radiopharmaceuticals like iodine I-125 or I-131

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• arthritis pain
• breathing problems
• changes in hearing
• extreme changes in behavior
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• fever over 100 degrees F
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• seizures
• unusually weak or tired

• aches or pains
• bruising, pain, swelling at site where injected
• headache
• loss of appetite
• low-grade fever of 100 degrees F or less
• nausea, vomiting
• sleepy
• swollen glands

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Contact your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency medical care if any serious side effects occur.

This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:February 28, 2008

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