Acthib

It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when the vaccination was last given for your child's medical record.

Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care provider. This medication is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually given in the upper thigh, or in the upper arm in older children. A series of injections is needed to provide the best protection. It is very important that your child receive all the injections ordered by the doctor, or the vaccine may not work as well. Keep all scheduled medical appointments. Hib vaccine can be given at the same time as the other usual childhood vaccinations (e.g., diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, hepatitis, polio) either in the same injection or using a separate needle and injection site, depending on the types of vaccine being given.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring your child for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before your child receives this vaccine, tell the doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products the child may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin, heparins), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone), cancer chemotherapy, drugs that lower the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus). This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and the doctor know if your child has recently been vaccinated. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Consult the doctor or pharmacist about the temporary use of acetaminophen to treat pain and fever due to this vaccine. There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your child's age, vaccination history, and previous reaction to vaccines, your health care professional will determine the most appropriate vaccines. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with your health care provider. History of infection with Hib does not always protect against future infections with Hib bacteria. Your child should still receive this vaccine if your doctor orders it.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is allergic to it or to any other vaccines; or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if your child has certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult the doctor or pharmacist if your child has: high fever, moderate/severe acute illness. Before using this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist your child's medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders, history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a weakened immune system (e.g., due to cancer, HIV, leukemia, lymphoma, radiation treatment), vaccination history including previous reactions to any vaccines. Patients with Hodgkin's disease should receive the vaccine at least 10-14 days before beginning treatment or wait at least 3 months after chemotherapy is stopped. This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy and is not usually used in adults. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. This vaccine is not usually used in adults. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor's office and will not be stored at home.

Pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site may occur. Drowsiness, irritability/crying, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever, or vomiting may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify the doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, unresponsiveness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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 your doctor or pharmacist. Contact your doctor 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 report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.