Diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis (acellular), polio, and tetanus vaccine
Generic name: diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis (acellular), polio, and tetanus vaccine [ dif-THEER-ee-a, hep-a-TYE-tis-B, per-TUS-iss, POE-lee-oh, and-TET-a-nus ]
Brand name: Pediarix
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension (-)
Drug class:Vaccine combinations
What is diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, and tetanus vaccine?
Diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, and tetanus are serious diseases caused by bacteria or virus.
Diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.
Hepatitis is a serious disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis B causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.
Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe long-lasting episodes of cough that can interfere with eating, drinking, or breathing. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.
Polio affects the central nervous system and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. Polio can be fatal if it paralyzes muscles that help you breathe.
Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles that can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth, swallow, or breathe. Tetanus can lead to death.
Diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, and polio are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.
The diphtheria, hepatitis B, acellular pertussis, polio, and tetanus vaccine is used to help prevent these diseases in children who are ages 6 weeks to 6 years old (before the 7th birthday.
This vaccine helps your child's body develop immunity to these diseases, but will not treat an active infection your child already has.
Like any vaccine, the diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis acellular, polio, and tetanus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
Becoming infected with diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, or tetanus is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving this vaccine.
Before taking this medicine
A hepatitis B vaccine will not protect your child against infection with hepatitis A, C, and E, or other viruses that affect the liver. It may also not protect the child from hepatitis B if he or she is already infected with the virus, even if the child does not yet show symptoms....
