Boostrix Risks, Warnings, and Complications
| Boostrix can cause serious health problems in some people. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist about other vaccine options if you are at high risk of unsolicited or solicited adverse events from Boostrix. FAINTING: Some people can faint after receiving injectable vaccines like the Tdap (Boostrix) vaccine. The risk is higher in people who have fainted after receiving other injectable vaccines before, such as the influenza virus vaccine. Tell your doctor if this is the case so that they can monitor you. Signs and symptoms of impending fainting may include a burning sensation, changes in vision, and twitching or stiffening of the limbs. SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS: As with any vaccine, there is a (rare) risk of a severe allergic reaction to Tdap (Boostrix) vaccine. People who have a latex allergy should let their doctor know before receiving Boostrix because the tip cap of this vaccine contains latex. (Adacel brand does not contain latex). Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction called an arthus reaction to a tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine in the past. Signs and symptoms of an arthus reaction include pain, swelling, and hardening at the injection site. In this case, your doctor will tell you to wait at least 10 years before getting another dose of a tetanus immune globulin vaccine like Tdap. Your healthcare provider might ask you to remain in the clinic or pharmacy for a short time to make sure you have access to medical care in case of a serious allergic reaction. However, in addition to immediate allergic reactions, sometimes acute allergic reactions can occur later on (after you’ve left the doctor’s office or pharmacy). Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs and symptoms such as feeling faint, closing of the throat, swelling of the throat or face, chest pain, difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching, shaking, dizziness, or nausea. NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS: Very rarely, a nervous system condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) or other nerve problems can develop after receiving Tdap (Boostrix). The risk of this occurring is higher in people over 50 years of age. Tell your doctor if you have a history of GBS within 6 weeks of receiving a tetanus toxoid containing vaccine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience signs and symptoms of nerve damage such as pain, muscle weakness, or paralysis within 6 weeks of receiving Tdap (Boostrix) vaccine. IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS: The Tdap (Boostrix) vaccine may not work properly in people with immune system disorders or weakened immune systems. Such individuals may have a suboptimal immune response to the vaccine and therefore continue to be at high risk of tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough even after getting vaccinated. Talk to your provider if you have medical conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV or cancer, or if you take any medications that can weaken your immune system, such as steroids or transplant medicines.
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Precautions Before Receiving Boostrix
Tell your healthcare professional if you had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of a diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine. Also, tell your doctor if you have had any serious adverse events or life-threatening allergic reactions in the past to other vaccines or medications.
Give your healthcare professional a detailed medical history, especially any history of fainting, loss of consciousness, or prolonged seizures after any pertussis containing vaccine. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you developed pain and swelling after a Td vaccine or any prior vaccine. Be sure to mention any history of seizures, nervous system problems, or Guillain-Barre syndrome after a tetanus toxoid, diphtheria, or acellular pertussis vaccine.
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.
If you have a minor illness like a cold or flu, you can be vaccinated with Boostrix. However, if you have a more serious illness, your healthcare provider will probably recommend waiting until you are feeling better.
Precautions After Boostrix Vaccination
An allergic reaction can occur after you leave the pharmacy or clinic. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs and symptoms like skin rash, hives, itching, face swelling, throat closing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weakness, or fast heartbeat.
Boostrix Drug Interactions
Boostrix may interact with other drugs and supplements. Interactions between Boostrix and your other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Give your healthcare professional and pharmacist a list of all your current medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medicines and vaccines.
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