How does it work?

This vaccine contains a sterile suspension of diphtheria toxoid and tetanus toxoid (which are modified bacterial toxins), an extract of Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) bacteria and an extract of Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. It stimulates the body's immune response without causing the diseases. When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise and attack any future infection with the same organism. This is known as active immunity. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. Each organism stimulates the production of a specific type of antibody, therefore different vaccines are required for each disease. This combination vaccine provides immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae, the most serious of which is meningitis. It is given to children over two months of age in three doses, as part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough and diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B

Warning!

Individuals who have a suppressed immune system, for example due to disease such as HIV infection, or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids, may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine and additional doses may be required.

Use with caution in

Bleeding disorders

Children who collapsed or were unresponsive following a previous dose of vaccine

Children who cried persistantly and inconsolably for more than three hours within 48 hours of a previous dose of vaccine

Children who had a temperature of 40.5ºC or higher within 48 hours of a previous dose of vaccine

Convulsions within three days of previous dose of vaccine

Reduced platelet count in the blood

Not to be used in

Any disease of the brain (encephalopathy) of an unknown cause, that occured within seven days of a previous dose of pertussis containing vaccine

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Sudden severe feverish illness

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not intended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Restlessness

Loss of appetite

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Fever (pyrexia)

Inflammation of the lining of the eye, causing pain and redness (conjunctivitis)

Sleepiness

Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) causing a blocked or runny nose

Cough

Upper airway infections

Infections caused by viruses

Gastric disturbances including nausea, vomiting, gastric discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea

Pain and swelling at site of injection

Crying

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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