Tetanus toxoid (Intramuscular, Injection)

Tetanus Toxoid is used to prevent tetanus (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.

Immunization against tetanus is recommended for all infants 6 to 8 weeks of age and older, all children, and all adults. Immunization against tetanus consists first of a series of either 3 or 4 injections, depending on which type of tetanus toxoid you receive. In addition, it is very important that you get a booster injection every 10 years for the rest of your life. Also, if you get a wound that is unclean or hard to clean, you may need an emergency booster injection if it has been more than 5 years since your last booster. 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.

This vaccine 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 of the medicine. For this medicine, consider the following:

In deciding to receive this vaccine, you and your doctor need to weigh the risks and benefits of the vaccine. For tetanus toxoid, consider the following:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your healthcare professional if you have other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

This vaccine is not recommended for infants up to 6 weeks old. For infants and children 6 weeks of age and older, tetanus toxoid is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Geriatric

This vaccine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older adults than it does in younger adults. However, it may be slightly less effective in older people compared to younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines can be used together even if there might be an interaction. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When taking this medicine, it is very important that your healthcare professional knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Cyclosporine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Chloramphenicol

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• A severe reaction or a fever higher than 103 °F (39.4 °C) after a previous dose of tetanus toxoid—This may increase the risk of side effects with future doses of tetanus toxoid; make sure your doctor knows about this before you receive the next dose of tetanus toxoid.

• Bronchitis, pneumonia, or other lung or bronchial tube illnesses, or
• Severe illness with fever—Possible side effects from tetanus toxoid may be confused with the symptoms of the condition.

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

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

Symptoms of allergic reaction

• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• hives
• itching, especially on feet or hands
• reddening of skin, especially around ears
• swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects happen:

Rare

• Confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• fever over 103 °F (39.4 °C)
• headache (severe or continuing)
• sleepiness (excessive)
• swelling, blistering, or pain at the injection site (severe or continuing)
• swelling of glands in armpit
• unusual irritability
• vomiting (severe or continuing)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Redness or hard lump at the injection site

Less common

• Chills, fever, irritability, or unusual tiredness
• pain, tenderness, itching, or swelling at the injection site
• skin rash

Other side effects not listed may also happen 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.

In the U.S.

• TE Anatoxal Berna

In Canada

• Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed

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 forms: For prevention of tetanus (lockjaw): Adults, children, and infants 6 weeks of age and older—One dose is given at your first visit, then a second dose is given four to eight weeks later. Depending on the product given, you may receive a third dose four to eight weeks after the second dose, and a fourth dose six to twelve months after that; or you may receive a third dose six to twelve months after the second dose. Everyone should receive a booster dose every ten years. The doses are injected under the skin or into a muscle. In addition, if you get a wound that is unclean or hard to clean, you may need an emergency booster injection if it has been more than 5 years since your last booster dose.