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This medication belongs to a group of medications known as vaccines. It is used to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and infections (such as meningitis, lung infections, and heart infections) caused by the bacterium Hemophilus influenzae B (Hib).
This vaccine increases a person's defenses against pertussis, polio, and Hib infection and against the toxins produced by tetanus and diphtheria bacteria. Vaccines do not cause the illness they are protecting against. They work by introducing very small amounts of bacterial and toxin components into the bloodstream.
Either the bacteria are killed (polio), or only parts of the bacteria are used (pertussis, Hib infections). The toxins are detoxified (tetanus, diphtheria). These components stimulate the production of a person's own antibodies (cells designed to attack that particular bacteria or toxin), which remain in the body, ready to attack any future bacteria that cause infection and deal with the toxins produced during tetanus or diphtheria infection.
This vaccine is a combination of 2 other vaccines: Hib vaccine plus pertussis - polio - diphtheria - tetanus toxoid vaccine. It is used for infants and children who need both vaccines at the same time. This allows the 2 vaccines to be given in the same injection. It is usually given during routine immunization of infants over 2 months of age, and for children up to the age of 7 years.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why your child is being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Pentacel® is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under diphtheria - haemophilus b - pertussis - polio - tetanus vaccine. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
Your child should not receive this medication if they:
- are allergic to any ingredient of this medication
- are 7 years of age or older
- are younger than 2 months of age
- have an acute illness caused by diphtheria, tetanus, haemophilus influenza, polio, or pertussis
- have an acute illness (except for minor illnesses without fever, such as an upper respiratory tract infection)
- have had an allergic reaction to other tetanus, haemophilus influenzae B, diphtheria, polio, or pertussis vaccines
Note: The injection of the diphtheria component of this vaccine should be postponed for children with a progressive, evolving, or unstable neurologic condition (e.g., seizures).
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if your child experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- crying
- diarrhea
- fever between 100.4 to 102.2°F (38 to 39°C; may occur with drowsiness, vomiting, and loss of appetite)
- irritability
- lump at place of injection (may be present for a few weeks after injection)
- redness, swelling, soreness, tenderness, or pain at place of injection
- tiredness
- vomiting
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- fever between 102.2 to 105°F (39 to 40.5°C; may occur with drowsiness, vomiting, and loss of appetite)
- difficulty breathing
- headache (severe or continuing)
- irritability (unusual)
- paleness
- reddening of skin, especially around ears
- skin rash
- sleepiness (unusual and continuing)
- swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose
- swelling of the limb that received the injection
- unusual tiredness, weakness (sudden and severe)
- vomiting (severe or continuing)
Stop your child from receiving the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- within 48 hours of receiving the vaccination:
- collapse
- crying for 3 or more hours
- fever of 105°F or higher (40 to 40.5°C; may occur with drowsiness, vomiting, and loss of appetite)
- periods of unconsciousness or lack of awareness
- symptoms of shock (e.g., pale, limp, not responding to parents)
- confusion
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- itching, especially of feet or hands
- periods of unconsciousness or lack of awareness
- seizures
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
Be sure to mention any side effect to your doctor, as it may mean that your child is allergic to the vaccine. If so, it would not be safe for them to have more doses of the same type of vaccine.
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while your child is taking this medication.
There may be an interaction between this vaccine and any of the following:
- acetaminophen
- antineoplastic medications (chemotherapy; e.g., cytarabine, doxorubicin, vincristine)
- azathioprine
- corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
- cyclosporine
- hydroxyurea
- immune globulin
- methotrexate
- other live vaccines
- salicylates (e.g., ASA)
- sirolimus
- tacrolimus
If your child is taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on the specific circumstances, your doctor may want your child to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how they are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that your child must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications your child is taking. Also tell them about any supplements your child takes. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if your child uses them.
Before your child receives this medication, be sure to inform your child's doctor of any medical conditions or allergies they may have, any medications your child is taking, and any other significant facts about your child's health. These factors may affect how your child should receive this medication.
Allergic reactions: In rare cases, this vaccine may cause severe allergic reactions. For this reason, doctors often ask people to stay in the office for about 30 minutes after having the vaccine so they can receive medical care if an allergic reaction occurs. If you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction in your child (hives; trouble breathing or swallowing; or swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue), get medical attention immediately.
Immune system: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not be as effective for people with a weakened immune system (such as those on chemotherapy, people who have had an organ transplant, or people who have HIV).
If your child has a weakened immune system, for any reason, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your child's medical condition, how your child's medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Seizures: People who have a history of seizures or seizure disorders may be at an increased risk of experiencing seizures with this vaccine. Your child's doctor may suggest that you give your child a dose of medication to prevent fever. If your child has a history of seizures, ask their doctor or your pharmacist if this is appropriate.
Vaccine protection: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not protect all of people who receive it.
Pregnancy: This medication is intended for children under the age of 7 years. As such, it should not be used by women who are or may be pregnant.
Breast-feeding: This medication is intended for children under the age of 7 years. As such, it should not be used by women who are breast-feeding.
Children: Very premature children are at an increased risk of breathing problems as a result of receiving this vaccine. However, the benefit of receiving the vaccination is greater than the risk of side effects, and the vaccine should be given as scheduled, based on the baby's age. If you have concerns, speak with your child's doctor.
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