Pronunciation: dif-THEER-ee-a/TET-a-nus/aye-SELL-yoo-ler per-TUS-is/hep-a-TYE-tis/POE-lee-oh-VYE-rus
Generic Name: Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids, Acellular Pertussis, Hepatitis B (Recombinant), and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine
Brand Name: Pediarix
Pediarix is used for:
Preventing diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio infections in infants and children.
Pediarix is a vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio. It works by helping the immune system to protect against these infections.
Do NOT use Pediarix if:
- the patient is allergic to any ingredient in Pediarix or to latex, yeast, neomycin, or polymyxin B
- the patient has had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness) or other severe reaction (eg, coma, prolonged seizure) to a previous dose of Pediarix or a similar vaccine
- the patient has untreated nervous system problems (eg, infantile spasms, uncontrolled seizures, coma)
Contact the patient's doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply.
Before using Pediarix:
Some medical conditions may interact with Pediarix. Tell the patient's doctor or pharmacist if the patient has any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply:
- if the patient is taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if the patient has allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if the patient has developed any of the following within 48 hours after a previous pertussis-containing vaccine: high fever (greater than 105 degrees F [40.5 degrees C]) from an unknown cause, coma, or persistent crying (for more than 3 hours)
- if the patient has a history of seizures (with or without fever) within 3 days of a previous pertussis-containing vaccine
- if the patient has a fever, infection, or other current illness; has cancer; receives chemotherapy or radiation therapy; is very ill or weakened; or takes medicine that may weaken the immune system, such as immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine) or corticosteroids (eg, prednisone)
- if the patient has a history of nervous system problems (eg, seizures, infantile spasms, multiple sclerosis), Guillain-Barre syndrome, poor health, a weakened immune system (eg, HIV infection, AIDS), or bleeding problems (eg, hemophilia, low platelets)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Pediarix. Tell the patient's health care provider if the patient is taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased
- Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), medicines that may weaken the immune system, or medicines to treat cancer because they may decrease Pediarix's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask the patient's health care provider if Pediarix may interact with other medicines that the patient takes. Check with the patient's health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Pediarix:
Use Pediarix as directed by the patient's doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Pediarix is usually given as an injection at the patient's doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
- Do not use Pediarix if it contains particles or a gel-like substance, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- It is very important to receive each vaccine as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when each vaccine was given for the child's medical record.
- If the patient misses a dose of Pediarix, contact the patient's doctor right away.
Ask the patient's health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Pediarix.
Important safety information:
- Tell the patient's doctor or dentist that the patient has received Pediarix before the patient receives any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Tell the patient's doctor if the patient will be receiving other vaccines.
- Pediarix may not protect everyone who receives it from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis, or polio. Discuss any questions or concerns with the patient's doctor.
- Pediarix should not be used in INFANTS younger than 6 weeks of age or in CHILDREN who are 7 years of age or older; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Pediarix is not approved for use in adults. It is not known if Pediarix can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Pediarix while you are pregnant. It is not known if Pediarix is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding and use Pediarix, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Pediarix:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Decreased appetite; drowsiness; fever; irritability or fussiness; minor pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); joint pain or stiffness; numbness or tingling of the arms or legs; red, swollen, or blistered skin; seizure; severe or persistent fever, diarrhea, unusual drowsiness, stomach pain, or vomiting; severe or persistent irritability (eg, unusual crying, screaming, restlessness); shortness of breath; unresponsiveness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Pediarix side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Pediarix:
Pediarix is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Pediarix at home, store Pediarix as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Protect from light. Keep Pediarix out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Pediarix, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Pediarix is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If the patient's symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Pediarix. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Pediarix resources
- Pediarix Side Effects (in more detail)
- Pediarix Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Pediarix Drug Interactions
- Pediarix Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Pediarix - Add your own review/rating
- Pediarix Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Pediarix Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Pediarix Consumer Overview
Compare Pediarix with other medications
- Diphtheria Prophylaxis
- Haemophilus influenzae Prophylaxis
- Hepatitis B Prevention
- Pertussis Prophylaxis
- Poliomyelitis Prophylaxis
- Tetanus Prophylaxis
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