Diphtheria antitoxin (Injection)

Diphtheria antitoxin is used to prevent and/or treat diphtheria infection in people who have been exposed to the disease.

While it is uncommon in the U.S., diphtheria is a serious illness that can lead to life-threatening health issues. Diphtheria spreads through contact with an infected person or someone who carries the disease.

Diphtheria antitoxin should only be given by or under the supervision of your doctor or another health care professional.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to think about the risks of taking it compared to the benefits it will provide. This is a choice you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, you should consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of diphtheria antitoxin in children with its use in other age groups. This medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in children compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older adults. There is no specific information comparing the use of diphtheria antitoxin in elderly patients with use in other age groups. However, there is no evidence that the effects of diphtheria antitoxin in older adults are different from those in younger individuals.

Breast Feeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be required. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect the use of diphtheria antitoxin. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may occur, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Chilly sensation
• Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
• Feeling of discomfort
• Fever
• Inflammation of joints
• Hives
• Itching, especially of hands or feet
• Muscle aches
• Rapid rise in body temperature
• Rash
• Reddening of skin, especially around ears
• Swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose
• Swollen lymph glands
• Unusual tiredness or weakness, sudden and severe

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For injection dosage form: For prevention of diphtheria: Adults and children—One dose injected into a muscle. For treatment of diphtheria: Adults and children—One to six doses injected into a muscle.