Adacel

What is this drug and what is it used for?

ADACEL®, [Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed], is a sterile, uniform, cloudy, white suspension of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids adsorbed separately on aluminum phosphate, combined with acellular pertussis vaccine and suspended in water for injection.

ADACEL® is indicated for: Active booster immunization for the prevention of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) in persons 4 years of age and older

Vaccination during pregnancy for passive immunization against pertussis disease in young infants.

(See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Pregnant Women).

In accordance with local recommendations, ADACEL® may be considered as an alternative for the fifth dose of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) in children 4 through 6 years of age, concomitantly administered with Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV) at separate sites to complete the vaccination series for this age, when indicated.

Persons who have had tetanus, diphtheria or pertussis should still be immunized since these clinical infections do not always confer immunity. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected persons, both asymptomatic and symptomatic, should be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis according to standard schedules.

ADACEL® is not to be used for the treatment of disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Clostridium tetani infections.

Pediatrics: ADACEL® is not indicated for immunization of children below the age of 4 years.

How is this drug given?

Do not administer ADACEL® by intravascular injection: ensure that the needle does not penetrate a blood vessel. Intradermal or subcutaneous routes of administration are not to be utilized.