Antitoxins, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: antitoxins, injection; diphtheria antitoxin, injection; tetanus antitoxin, injection

What is this medicine used for?

The medicine is given by injection to provide immunization against diphtheria, or to treat or prevent tetanus after an injury or wound that may be contaminated.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Be sure to tell the health care provider about all past immunizations you have had, especially if you had any kind of reaction to them.

How should I use it?

This medicine must be given by your health care provider. You may need more than one injection. Keep all your appointments.

Your health care provider may prescribe another medicine to fight the disease. Follow your health care provider's instructions exactly.

What should I watch out for?

Your health care provider may give you a skin test or eye test to find out if you are allergic to this medicine.

Pain or skin redness where you had the injection may appear 7 to 10 days afterwards and may last 2 days.

What are the possible side effects?

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 health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, skin rash, and fever).

Other: Pain or redness where the shot was given.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported for these antitoxins. However, because they are prepared from animal serum, the possibility of a reaction exists.

Antihistamines (cold and allergy medicines) interfere with the results of sensitivity tests your health care provider may give you before giving you the full dosage of this medicine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any antihistamines.

Blood thinners, such as aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, and Ticlid, may increase your risk for bleeding at the injection site.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care 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 health care 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.