Tenivac (PF)

This vaccine is used to help prevent problems that may occur with 2 bacterial infections in children and adults (tetanus and diphtheria). Tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria can cause serious, sometimes fatal problems (heart problems, nerve problems, muscle paralysis).

Vaccination is the best way to protect (provide immunity) against these life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by getting the body to make its own protection (antibodies).

This vaccine is recommended for all people 7 years and older. Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids combined (adult) injection should not be used in anyone younger than 7 years because they may not be fully protected by this vaccine. A vaccine for children younger than 7 years is available. Consult your child's health care professional for more information.

Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care professional.

This vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm by a health care professional.

Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by your health care professional. Keep all scheduled medical appointments. It may be helpful to mark a calendar as a reminder. There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your age, vaccination history, and previous reaction to vaccines, your health care professional will decide which vaccines are best for you. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with your health care professional.

Pain/redness/warmth/bruising/swelling at the injection site, tiredness, fever, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell the health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that the health care professional has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you or your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. However, report all side effects to the health care professional.

Tell the health care professional right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: shoulder pain, muscle weakness, numbness/tingling.

A severe reaction at the injection site may rarely occur. Tell the health care professional if you or your child develop any of the following injection site reactions: severe pain, large area of swelling/redness/bruising, persistent lump.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away 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 the health care professional.

Contact the health care professional 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 call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional 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 health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this vaccination, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of: current fever/illness, a certain nerve disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome), immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment).

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

It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breast-feeding.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine are: drugs that weaken the immune system (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone).

Other vaccines may be given at the same time as this vaccine, but they should be given with separate syringes and at different injection sites.

Not applicable.

It is important that you or your child receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to ask when you or your child should receive the next dose. It may help to make a note on your calendar to remind you. If you or your child miss a dose, call the health care professional right away to reschedule.

As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not fully protect everyone who receives it.

Keep vaccine records for yourself and all of your children, and after your children are grown, provide the records to them and their health care professionals. This will prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.