RotaTeq

What is RotaTeq?

RotaTeq can contain up to five strains of rotavirus. It comes from both animal and human sources. A rotavirus infection can cause severe stomach or intestinal illnesses in babies and young children. RotaTeq is an oral vaccine that helps prevent this disease among children. RotaTeq is a vaccine that works by exposing the child to a tiny dose of the virus. This causes the body to develop immunity against the disease. This vaccine does not treat active infections that have already occurred in the body. RotaTeq is an oral vaccine for children aged between 6 weeks and 32 weeks. RotaTeq, like any other vaccine, may not protect everyone from illness.

Warnings

If your child has severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), RotaTeq should not be given. If the child has had an intussusception (an intestinal disorder) before, this vaccine shouldn't be given.

Before you take this drug

If your child has had an intussusception or blockage of the intestines (as a result of a rotavirus vaccine) or has severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), RotaTeq should not be given to them.

RotaTeq can be delayed or avoided if your child suffers from any of the following conditions:

• Hiv
• A stomach infection or diarrhea is currently present.
• A congenital stomach condition or recent stomach surgery
• cancerous lymphoma, leukemia, and other blood diseases
• If the child recently received medications that weaken their immune system (such as steroids, medicines for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, or medicines to prevent rejection of organ transplants, chemotherapy, or radiation),
• If the child recently received a transfusion,
• If the child has an allergy to latex, they could face problems at school and at home.

You can still give your child the RotaTeq vaccine even if they have a minor cold. Wait until your child is better if they have a severe illness, such as a fever or infection. Tell the doctor if anyone living with or caring for the child has cancer or a weak immune system or is receiving radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids.

Similar/related drugs

Doxycycline, Ceftriaxone, Ampicillin, Rocephin, Vibramycin, Monodox, and Rotavirus Vaccine

How to take RotaTeq?

RotaTeq will be administered to your child in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's practice. RotaTeq comes as a liquid that is taken orally (by mouth). RotaTeq comes in three doses. The first dose of RotaTeq is given to the child between 6 and 12 weeks. The booster doses will be given in 4- to 10-week intervals until the child is 32 weeks old. The booster schedule for your child may differ from the guidelines. You should follow the instructions of your doctor or the schedule prescribed by the local health department.

Details on dosage

The usual pediatric dose for gastroenteritis:

RotaTeq: Oral administration of 2 mL (1 dose tube) for 3 doses administered 4–10 weeks apart

Comments:

RotaTeq can be administered starting at age 6 weeks. The 3-dose series should be completed within 32 weeks.
Do not change the dose if the baby regurgitates or spits up most of it. Continue the rest as planned.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If your child is behind on their booster doses or falls behind schedule, contact the doctor. RotaTeq should be administered to your child at the recommended dosages.

What happens if I overdose?

It is very unlikely that RotaTeq will be overdosed.

What should be avoided?

The child should not come into contact with people who have a weak immune response for up to 15 days after receiving the rotavirus vaccine. The virus can be transmitted from the child to another person. Do not receive RotaTeq from different doctors or clinics. All doses of the rotavirus oral vaccination should be administered by the same brand. The dosing and booster schedules of different brands may differ.

Side effects of RotaTeq

If you experience any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, or hives, seek emergency medical attention. If your child had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening after the initial shot, then a booster should not be given. Keep track of all side effects that your child experiences after receiving RotaTeq. You will need to inform the doctor of any side effects that occurred after the first RotaTeq shot. RotaTeq can cause intussusception (a blockage of the intestinal tract). Contact your doctor immediately if you or your child experience severe abdominal pain, diarrhea that is severe or persistent, nausea, or bloody stools. Rotavirus infection is far more harmful to your child than RotaTeq. This vaccine, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the chances of them being serious are extremely low. Call the doctor immediately if your child is suffering from:

• A seizure;
• Ear pain, drainage of the ear
• Chest pain, wheezing and feeling short of breath are symptoms that should never go ignored.
• Pain or burning when urinating;
• High fever, redness or swelling of the hands or face, skin rash or peeling, chapped lips

Rotateq may cause the following side effects:

• Ear infection
• Loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Fever;
• Coughing or wheezing are frequently experienced symptoms of asthma.
• sore throat, runny sneeze

There may be other side effects.Need advice regarding side effects? Speak with your physician. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling (800) 822-7967.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor all the vaccines that your child has had before receiving RotaTeq.

Tell your doctor if you have recently given your child any drugs or treatments that can weaken their immune system.

• Steroid medicine;
• Cancer treatments
• Medicine to prevent or treat malaria
• If you have rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders, or psoriasis or a combination of these, then medications may be prescribed to you.
• Medicines to prevent or treat organ rejection

You may have to wait for your child to finish the treatment before he or she can receive the vaccine if he or she is taking any of these medicines. This list is incomplete. RotaTeq may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.