Infanrix

Infanrix is used for prevention against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).

Infanrix is given as a shot into the thigh or upper arm.

Common side effects of Infanrix include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. 

Infanrix is used for prevention against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough) as a 5-dose series in infants and children 6 weeks to 7 years of age (prior to seventh birthday).

Infanrix is given as a shot by your healthcare provider into the thigh or upper arm.

A 0.5-mL dose of Infanrix is given in infants and children 6 weeks to 7 years of age (prior to the seventh birthday) as a 5-dose series. The series consists of 3 doses administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age (at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks), followed by 2 booster doses, administered at 15 to 20 months of age and at 4 to 6 years of age. The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age.

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome. There is a causal relationship between tetanus toxoid and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. 
• Latex. The tip caps of the prefilled syringes may contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals.
• Fainting. Fainting has been reported following vaccination with Infanrix.
• Adverse reactions with prior pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination. If any of the following events occur within the specified period after receiving a pertussis vaccine, the decision to get Infanrix vaccine should be based on careful consideration of potential benefits and possible risks.
• • Temperature of ≥40.5°C (105°F) within 48 hours, not attributable to another identifiable cause.
  • Collapse or shock-like state (hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (HHE)) within 48 hours.
  • Persistent, inconsolable crying lasting ≥3 hours within 48 hours.
  • Seizures with or without fever within 3 days.
• Previous history of seizures. For infants or children with a history of previous seizures, an appropriate fever reducer may be given at the time of vaccination and for the following 24 hours, to reduce the possibility of post-vaccination fever.
• Premature infants may temporarily stop breathing. Short instances of no breathing following intramuscular vaccination has been observed in some infants born prematurely. The decision about when to administer Infanrix to an infant born prematurely should be based on consideration of the individual infant's medical status and the potential benefits and possible risks of vaccination.
• Allergic reactions. Tell your healthcare provider about any signs or symptoms of  allergic reactions, which include the following:
  • chest pain
  • swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • rash

Do not get Infanrix if you or your child:

• Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of any diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, or pertussis-containing vaccine, or to any component of Infanrix
• had encephalopathy (eg, coma, decreased level of consciousness, prolonged seizures) within 7 days of a previous dose of a pertussis containing vaccine that is not attributable to another identifiable cause
• have progressive neurologic disorder, including infantile spasms, uncontrolled epilepsy, or progressive encephalopathy

Side effects reported with Infanrix include:

• pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• fever
• drowsiness
• irritability/fussiness
• loss of appetite

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or unusual symptoms after you receive Infanrix. For a complete list of side effects, ask your health care provider.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you use:

• immunosuppressive therapies, including irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs and corticosteroids

This is not a complete list of Infanrix drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Infanrix falls into category C. No studies have been conducted in animals, and no well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women. Infanrix should only be given to a pregnant woman if clearly needed. 

Tell your doctor is you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

It is not known if Infanrix crosses into human milk. Because some vaccines can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this vaccine, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this vaccine. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Infanrix.