Haemophilus B Conjugate Vaccine (hee-MOF-i-lus B KON-joo-gate VAX-een)

Prevents infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria in babies and young children.

Brand Name(s):

ActHIB, Pedvaxhib, Pentacel-ActHIB Component

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• The exact schedule for your child's vaccines will vary depending on the brand of medicine used and your child's age at the time of the first dose. In general, your child will receive the first dose at 2 to 6 months of age, followed by 2 more doses at least 8 weeks apart. Your child will usually receive a booster dose at 15 to 18 months of age, although he or she can receive this medicine up until the age of 5 years.
• Your child may receive other vaccines at the same time as this one. You should receive information sheets on all of the vaccines. Make sure you understand all of the information given to you.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. It is important that your child receive all of the doses of vaccine in this series. Try to keep all of your scheduled appointments. Make another appointment as soon as possible if your child misses a dose of this vaccine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines may affect how haemophilus b conjugate vaccine (tetanus toxoid conjugate) works. Tell your doctor if your child is also using any medicine that weakens the immune system (including arthritis medicine, cancer medicine, steroids, or radiation treatment).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if your child has bleeding problems, HIV infection or AIDS, cancer, problems with the immune system, or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe nerve and muscle problem).
• Tell your doctor if your child has any type of illness or infection (including a cold or the flu), especially if your child has a fever. Your doctor may want to delay giving the shot until your child is well.
• It may take up to 2 weeks for your child's body to develop the ability to resist an infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b. There is a chance your child could become ill during this time with the bacteria.
• The vaccine syringe and vial stopper contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if your child has a latex allergy before receiving this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever over 103 degrees F, chills, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Crying, irritability
• Drowsiness, restlessness, lack of energy
• Redness, pain, or swelling where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088