Tetanus immune globulin (Intramuscular)

Tetanus immune globulin is used to prevent tetanus infection (also known as lockjaw). Tetanus is a serious illness that causes convulsions (seizures) and severe muscle spasms that can be strong enough to cause bone fractures of the spine. Tetanus causes death in 30 to 40 percent of cases.

In recent years, two thirds of all tetanus cases have been in persons 50 years of age and older. A tetanus infection in the past does not make you immune to tetanus in the future.

Tetanus immune globulin works by giving your body the antibodies it needs to protect it against tetanus infection. This is called passive protection. This passive protection lasts long enough to protect your body until your body can produce its own antibodies against tetanus.

Tetanus immune globulin is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks and benefits. For this medicine, 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 if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

While there is no specific information comparing the use of tetanus immune globulin in children to other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of tetanus immune globulin in older adults to other age groups. However, there is no evidence that the effects of tetanus immune globulin in older adults differ from those in younger individuals.

Breast Feeding

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

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two medicines may be used together even if there could be an interaction. In such cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. When you are taking this medicine, it is particularly important that your healthcare professional is aware of any of the following medicines you are taking. The following interactions are highlighted based on their potential significance and may not include all possible interactions.

Using this medicine with any of the following may increase the risk of certain side effects, but it may be necessary to use both medicines. If both are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

• Adenovirus Vaccine
• Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
• Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
• Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
• Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
• Poliovirus Vaccine, Live
• Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
• Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
• Smallpox Vaccine
• Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
• Yellow Fever Vaccine
• Zoster Vaccine, Live

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around mealtime or with certain types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical conditions may affect the use of tetanus immune globulin. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

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

Rare

• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• hives
• itching, especially on soles or palms
• reddening of skin, especially around ears
• swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose
• 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 can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Baytet
• HyperTET S/D

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Immune Serum

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 preventing tetanus infection: Adults and children—250 units injected into a muscle.