Pediarix

What is Pediarix vaccine?

Pediarix vaccines are used to aid in the prevention of diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, and tetanus among children ranging from six weeks to six years old, prior to the child reaching the age of 7.

Pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus are all severe infections that are caused by bacteria. The disease causes a thick, sticky coating in the throat, nasal area, and airways. It could cause breathing issues, paralysis, heart failure, or even death. The virus known as pertussis (whooping cough) can cause severe coughing that can interfere with eating, drinking, or breathing. These episodes can last for weeks and result in seizures, pneumonia (convulsions), brain damage, and even death. Tetanus (lockjaw) results in pain-inducing tightening of the muscles, typically all over the body. It may cause "locking" of the jaw, which means that the patient is unable to open their mouths or swallow. Tetanus can cause death in around 1 out of 10 instances.

Hepatitis B and polio are severe diseases that are caused by viruses. Hepatitis B is a condition of the liver that is transmitted via bodily fluids, blood, and sexual contact. It can also be spread through sharing needles for IV drugs with a patient who is suffering from the disease or during pregnancy when the mother is suffering from infection. Hepatitis can cause liver inflammation, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). Hepatitis could result in liver cancer, cirrhosis, or even death. Polio can affect nerves in the central nervous system as well as the spinal cord. It can result in muscle weakness and even paralysis. Polio can be life-threatening because it could cause paralysis of the muscles that allow you to breathe.

Hepatitis B, pertussis, and polio can be transmitted from individual to individual. Tetanus is introduced into the body via cuts or wounds.

Pediarix operates by exposing children to a small amount of the virus or bacteria that causes the body to develop an immunity to the illness. Pediarix is not a treatment for an active disease that has already manifested within the body.As with all vaccines, the Pediarix vaccine may not protect against illness for every individual.

Similar or related drugs

azithromycin, Zithromax, clarithromycin, rifampin, biaxin, Daptacel (DTaP), and hepatitis B adult vaccine

Warnings

Pediarix is administered in the form of a series of shots. First, the shot is typically given at two months old. These booster shots are given at 4 and 6 months old. Your child's specific booster schedule could differ from the guidelines below. Follow the advice of your physician or the schedule suggested by your health agency in the state that you live in.Make sure your child receives the recommended dose of Pediarix. If your child doesn't get the complete set of vaccines, he isn't fully protected from the disease.

The child may still be able to get Pediarix even if he is suffering from a cold or fever. If you suspect an illness that is more severe, such as a fever or other type of illness, wait until your child recovers before receiving Pediarix.Your child should not be given Pediarix in the event that he or she is suffering from a neurologic disorder or illness that affects the brain (or in the case of a previous vaccination).

Keep a record of any side effects your child experiences when they receive Pediarix. The child shouldn't receive an additional vaccine in the event of an allergy that could be life-threatening following the initial shot.

Infection with diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis or tetanus can be more hazardous for the health of your kid than taking Pediarix to safeguard against these illnesses. As with all medicines, Pediarix can cause side effects; however, the chance of serious side effects is incredibly low.

Before you take this drug

A Hepatitis B vaccine won't shield your child from the infection caused by Hepatitis A, C, and E and other viruses that can affect the liver. It could also not shield your child from hepatitis B when he or she is already infected by it, even though the child has yet to manifest signs.

Your child should not be receiving Pediarix if he or she is:

• An allergic reaction in yeast; an allergy to neomycin and polymyxin
• A history of a life-threatening allergic reaction to vaccines that contain diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, or polio-tetanus;
• A history of diminished consciousness or seizures, or a coma within 7 days following the administration of an infection with pertussis;
• Untreated or progressive nerve system issue or brain disorder (such as infantile spasms or uncontrollable seizures).

Your child might not be eligible to receive Pediarix in the event that he or she has had any experience with an infection with pertussis that resulted in:

• In the first 48 hours of the vaccination, the patient experiences a high fever (over 104°F) or excessive crying for 3 or more hours and then falls asleep, goes into shock, or
• Within 3 days of the vaccination, seizures

Inform the vaccine provider that your child has received:

• Seizures;
• Treatment or radiation;
• An immune system that is weak (caused through illness or the use of certain medications);
• Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs within six weeks of having a tetanus shot.
• An allergy to latex rubber
• If the child had been born too early.

Your child is still able to receive the Pediarix vaccine even if he or she is suffering from a mild cold. In the event of an illness that is more serious, such as a fever or other type of disease, wait until the child is better before receiving Pediarix.

How to take Pediarix?

Pediatric injections are injected directly into muscles. It is administered in a physician's office or in a clinic.Pediarix is administered in the form of a series of shots. First, the shot is generally given at two months old. It is given to babies between 4 and 6 months old. The schedule for your child's booster shots could differ from the guidelines below. Follow the advice of your physician or the schedule suggested by the nearby health agency.

Your doctor might suggest treating pain and fever with an aspirin-free pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) as well as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and many others) once the shot is administered and for the following 24 hours. Follow the instructions on the label or your physician's directions on the dosage of this medication to give your child.

It is particularly important to prevent fever from arising in children with seizures, such as epilepsy.

Details on dosage

Poliomyelitis Prophylaxis:

0.5 milliliters intramuscularly every two, four, and six months.

Diphtheria Prophylaxis:

0.5 mg intramuscularly at 2–4 or 6 months of age.

Pertussis Prophylaxis:

0.5 mg intramuscularly at 2, 3, 4, or 6 months of age.

Tetanus Prophylaxis:

0.5 mg intramuscularly at 2 4 and six months of age.

Hepatitis B Prophylaxis:

0.5 milliliters intramuscularly every 2 months, 4 months, or 6 months
Comments:
The administration should be conducted at 6- to 8-week intervals, but ideally at 8 weeks.
First doses can be given up to 6 weeks old.
Three doses of Pediarix provide a first immunization plan for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, as well as poliomyelitis. It also includes a complete immunization regimen to prevent hepatitis B.

What happens If I miss a dose?

Consult your physician if you have missed a Pediarix dosage booster or are taking it at the wrong time. The next dose must be given promptly. There's no reason for you to start the process again.

Make sure your child gets all doses recommended by Pediarix; otherwise, the child might not be completely protected from disease.

What happens if I overdose?

A dose of Pediarix is not likely to occur.

What should be avoided?

Follow the advice of your doctor regarding any food restrictions, drinks, food, or any activity.

Side effects of Pediarix

See a doctor immediately. If your child shows symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction, Pediarix: hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or face

Your child shouldn't receive a Pediarix booster vaccination if they suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction following the initial shot. Keep track of all the adverse effects your child suffers. If your child has an additional dose, inform the doctor who administered the vaccination if the shot had any negative side effects.

Being infected with diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, or tetanus can be more harmful for the health of your kid than taking Pediarix. Like all medications, Pediarix can cause side effects, but the chance of serious side effects is minimal.

Make an appointment with your doctor right away if your child:

• Extreme drowsiness, fainting;
• Involuntary crying, anger, and irritability for an hour or more;
• A seizure;
• High fever (which can last for as long as 4 days following the vaccination).

It is possible to manage pain or fever with a prescription pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and many others). Follow the directions on the label or the directions of your vaccination provider.

It is crucial to avoid the onset of fever in children with an epilepsy disorder, for example.

Common side effects of Pediarix are:

• The area of pain, redness, or swelling in the area at the site of the shot;
• Mild febriculate;
• Small amount of crying or a slight fuss;
• Drowsiness

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You may report adverse reactions to Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967. US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.

Interaction with other drugs

The vaccine might not work in the same way when your child is taking medications or treatments that could affect the immune system, for example:

• Steroid medicine;
• Treatments for cancer
• Medication to treat the symptoms of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions that are autoimmune treatments for autoimmune disorders such as
• Drugs for treating or preventing organ rejection after transplantation.

This list isn't complete. Other medications could influence Pediarix, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs. are included here.