Quadracel

Quadracel is a vaccine used for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough) and polio (poliomyelitis). 

Quadracel is given as a shot into the upper arm. 

Common side effects of Quadracel include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. 

Quadracel is a vaccine used for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough) and polio (poliomyelitis).

A single dose of Quadracel is approved for use in children 4 through 6 years of age as a fifth dose in the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis vaccination (DTaP) series, and as a fourth or fifth dose in the inactivated poliovirus vaccination (IPV) series, in children who have received 4 doses of Pentacel and/or Daptacel.

Quadracel is given by a healthcare provider as a single 0.5-mL dose injected into the upper arm. 

A single dose of Quadracel is approved for use in children 4 through 6 years of age as a fifth dose in the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis vaccination (DTaP) series, and as a fourth or fifth dose in the inactivated poliovirus vaccination (IPV) series, in children who have received 4 doses of Pentacel and/or Daptacel.

• Allergic reactions. Tell your healthcare provider about any signs or symptoms of  allergic reactions, which include the following:
  • chest pain
  • swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • rash
• Adverse reactions with prior pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination. If any of the following events occur within the specified period after receiving a pertussis vaccine, the decision to get Quadracel vaccine should be based on careful consideration of potential benefits and possible risks.
  • Temperature of ≥40.5°C (105°F) within 48 hours, not attributable to another identifiable cause.
  • Collapse or shock-like state (hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (HHE)) within 48 hours.
  • Persistent, inconsolable crying lasting ≥3 hours within 48 hours.
  • Seizures with or without fever within 3 days.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome. There is a causal relationship between tetanus toxoid and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves.
• Limitations of vaccine effectiveness. Vaccination with Quadracel may not protect all individuals.
• Altered immunocompetence. If Quadracel is administered to immunocompromised persons, including persons receiving immunosuppressive therapy, the expected immune response may not be obtained.

Do not get Quadracel if your child:

• had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any ingredient of Quadracel or following any diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, pertussis-containing vaccine, or inactivated poliovirus vaccine
• had encephalopathy (e.g., coma, decreased level of consciousness, prolonged seizures) within 7 days of administration of a previous dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine that is not attributable to another identifiable cause
• has a progressive neurologic disorder, including infantile spasms, uncontrolled epilepsy, or progressive encephalopathy 

Side effects reported with Quadracel include:

• pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• increase in arm circumference
• muscle pain (myalgia)
• a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness (malaise)
• headache
• fever

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or unusual symptoms after you receive Quadracel. For a complete list of side effects, ask your health care provider.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you use:

• immunosuppressive therapies, including irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs and corticosteroids

This is not a complete list of Quadracel drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Quadracel falls into category C. No studies have been conducted in animals, and no well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women. Quadracel should only be given to a pregnant woman if clearly needed. 

Tell your doctor is you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

It is not known if Quadracel crosses into human milk. Because some vaccines can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this vaccine, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this vaccine. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Quadracel.