Tetanus Toxoid (By injection)
TET-a-nus TOX-oyd
Protects against tetanus (the bacteria that causes lockjaw).
Drug classes
Toxoid (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
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.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
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 trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This medicine is given as a series of 3 to 4 shots. The first 2 or 3 shots are given 4 to 8 weeks apart, and the remaining shot is given 6 to 12 months later. A booster shot may then be given every 10 years.
If a dose is missed:
Call your doctor for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a steroid taken by mouth (such as cortisone, prednisone), or if you have received chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any tetanus vaccine or to thimerosal, or if you have a fever or any type of active infection.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have HIV or AIDS, or any unusual bleeding or bruising.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Fever, chills, muscle or joint pain
Hard lump or skin changes where the shot is given
Seizures
Sudden weakness in the legs, spreading to the upper body and arms
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, redness, warmth, or tenderness where the shot is given
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.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
TE Anatoxal Berna, Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed
There may be other brand names for this medicine.