Dosing and uses of Decavac, Tenivac (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
Lf (flocculation units)
diphtheria/tetanus toxoid
suspension
- (2Lf/2Lf)/0.5mL
- (2Lf/5Lf)/0.5mL (Tenivac)
diphtheria/tetanus toxoid absorbed
suspension
- (25Lf/5Lf)/0.5mL
Primary Immunization
Tenivac (not previously immunized): 2 primary doses of 0.5 mL IM each given at an interval of 4 weeks with a third dose (0.5 mL) 6 months later
Booster Immunization
0.5 mL every 10 years (patients that have completed primary immunization)
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Lf (flocculation units)
diphtheria/tetanus toxoid
suspension
- (2Lf/2Lf)/0.5mL(2Lf/5Lf)/0.5mL
diphtheria/tetanus toxoid absorbed
suspension
- (25Lf/5Lf)/0.5mL
Primary Immunization
For use if pertussis component contraindicated; DTaP preferred for primary immunization
<7 years
- Three doses: 0.5 mL (DT) at 2, 4, and 6 months of age; may administer as early as 6 weeks of age and repeated every 4-8 weeks
- Fourth dose: At least 6 months must elapse between the third and fourth dose; may give as early as 12 months of age if 6 months have passed since the third dose
- Fifth dose: 4-6 years of age prior to starting school or kindergarten; may omit this dose if fourth dose given >4 years of age
>7 years
- Tanivac (not previously immunized): 2 primary doses of 0.5 mL IM each given at an interval of 4 weeks with a third dose (0.5 mL) 6 months later
Booster Immunization
0.5 mL every 10 years (patients that have completed primary immunization)
Decavac, Tenivac (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids) adverse (side) effects
Suspected adverse events after administration of any vaccine may be reported to Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), 1-800-822-7967
>10%
Headache (34-40%)
Tiredness (21-27%)
Chills (7-13%)
Diarrhea (10-11%)
Nausea (8-12%)
Swelling (17-18%)
Sore/swollen joints (7-12%)
Tenderness, pain, redness, swelling at inj site (63%)
Arthus reaction (rare)
1-10%
Rash (2%)
Lymph node swelling (4-5%)
Fever (1-3%)
Vomiting (2-3%)
<1%
Myalgia
Paresthesia
Seizure
Chils
Dizziness
Fatigue
Lymphadenopathy
Musculosckeletal stiffness
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to toxoids or any component of the formulation
Cautions
Treatment (including epinephrine 1:1000) for anaphylactoid/hypersensitivity reactions should be present during vaccine use
Not for administration more frequently than every 10 years in patients who experienced a serious arthus-type hypersensitivity reaction following a prior use of tetanus toxoid vaccine even if using for wound management
Syncope, transient visual disturbances, tonic-clonic movements, or weakness reported with use
Use caution if Ghillain-Barre syndrome occurs within 6 weeks of tetanus toxoid administration
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Decavac, Tenivac (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids)
Mechanism of action
Toxoid stimulation of active immunity
Pharmacokinetics
The onset of protection from disease is relatively slow, but duration is long lasting (years)
Duration >10 yr
