adacel (adolescent & adult)

This medication is given to maintain protection (immunity) against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough) in children and adults aged 11 to 64 years who have been vaccinated for these diseases in the past. Vaccination is the best way to protect against these life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies). Booster doses are needed to maintain immunity because antibody levels may become too low over time to provide the needed protection.

It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when the vaccination was last given for your 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 vaccination should be given at least 5 years since your last vaccination for diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis. Tell your doctor about all the vaccinations you have received. This medication is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually given in the upper arm. This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines (such as hepatitis B) using a separate needle and injection site.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone), cancer chemotherapy, drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus), other recent/planned vaccines (e.g., diphtheria/tetanus toxoids). 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.

There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your age, vaccination history, and previous reaction to vaccines, your health care professional will determine the most appropriate one for you. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with your health care professional. History of infection with tetanus or diphtheria does not always protect against future infections with these bacteria. You should still receive this vaccine if your doctor orders it for you.

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. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other vaccines; or if you have 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 you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: uncontrolled seizures or other nervous system disorder (e.g., encephalopathy), history of severe reaction to vaccine (e.g., paralysis, encephalopathy). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, low platelets), history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, immune system disorders (e.g., autoimmune disorders, radiation treatment), current illness/infection, seizures (e.g., epilepsy controlled by medication, febrile seizures), other nervous system disorders (e.g., paralysis, numbness/tingling, severe drowsiness, confusion), previous reactions to any vaccine (e.g., high fever, seizures). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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

Headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, fever, chills, vomiting, pain/swelling/redness at the injection site, or sore/swollen joints may occur. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to reduce soreness. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: difficulty breathing, high fever (higher than 104 degrees F/40 degrees C), numbness/tingling, muscle weakness, inability to move (paralysis). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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 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.