Diphtheria/tetanus/acellular pertussis/polio/hib vaccine (By injection)

Protects against infections caused by diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Brand Name(s):

Pentacel

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This vaccine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if your child had an allergic reaction to the separate or combined tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, or Haemophilus b vaccines. Your child should not receive this vaccine if you have had seizures, brain or nerve problems, or changes in consciousness within 7 days after you received a pertussis vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable, Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• This vaccine is given as a 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months of age. Your child may receive a 5th dose of DTaP vaccine (including Daptacel® or Quadracel®) at 4 to 6 years of age.
• This vaccine may also be used to complete the first 4 doses in a 5-dose DTaP series in children who have received 1 or more doses of Daptacel® or 3-dose series of Vaxelis®.
• Missed dose: It is important that you or your child receive all of the shots. Try to keep all scheduled appointments. Make another appointment as soon as possible if you or your child misses a dose of this vaccine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how DTaP vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you are receiving a treatment or medicine that weakens your immune system (including cancer medicine, radiation treatment, or steroid medicines).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if your child is sick or have a fever, a weak immune system, unstable brain or nerve disorders, or if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome after you received a tetanus toxoid vaccine.
• This vaccine may increase your risk for severe nerve and muscle problems (including Guillain-Barré syndrome, brachial neuritis).
• This vaccine will not treat an active infection. If your child has an infection due to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, or Haemophilus influenzae type b, your child will need medicines to treat these infections.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bluish lips, skin, or nails
• Crying constantly for 3 hours or more
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Seizures
• Severe muscle weakness, sleepiness, or drowsiness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Fussiness or irritability
• Mild pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or a lump where the shot was given
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Last Updated: 12/4/2023