Type of medicine: vaccine
Generic and brand names: tetanus toxoids, adsorbed, injection; TT
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to provide protection against tetanus infection (lockjaw) that may result from wounds or injuries. It is given to persons 7 years of age and older. It is not used to treat an active tetanus infection.
Before receiving this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
If you are severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine. If you have a mild cold or mild upper respiratory infection with or without fever, you may still be able to get your shot. Tell your healthcare provider if you currently have an infection of any kind.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
These shots are given by a healthcare provider. You will need a series of 3 injections. The first two doses are given 4 to 8 weeks apart, and the third dose is given 6 to 12 months after the second dose. A booster dose is then given every 10 years. Your provider may give you a booster shot if you get a dirty wound and it has been over 5 years since your last shot. Keep all appointments for your shots.
Keep records of your tetanus shots so that any healthcare provider can determine if you need an additional shot after an injury.
This medicine may cause redness, tenderness, and swelling for a few days where you had the injection. If these symptoms don't go away in a couple of days, contact your healthcare provider. A small bump where you had the injection may remain for a few weeks.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): High fever (over 103°); numbness or tingling in hands or feet; unusual behavior; unusual weakness or tiredness; severe headache; hearing problems; seizures.
Other: Low fever; chills; ill feeling; flushing; aches and pains; itching; nausea; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
