Meningococcal Polysaccharide (Groups A / C / Y and W-135) Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine



Menactra™







Meningococcal Polysaccharide (Groups A / C / Y and W-135) Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine

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U.S. Brand Names
Menactra™
Pharmacologic Category
Vaccine
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to meningococcal vaccine, diphtheria toxoid, or any other part of this medicine.
  • If you have a latex allergy. Vial stopper contains rubber.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have Guillain-Barre syndrome.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent meningococcal disease.
How does it work?
  • Meningococcal vaccine helps the body develop antibodies to meningococcal disease and protect against infection.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle.
  • The shot is usually given to children between 11 and 12 years of age or before starting high school.
  • This medicine may be given to adults.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call healthcare provider for instructions.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • All serious side effects to this vaccine must be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Ask your healthcare provider to file the report. You may also call to file a report at 1-800-822-7967.
  • Headache.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Side effects. Some side effects may occur up to 4 weeks after the shot. Report them to healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Hives.
  • Weakness, numbness or tingling.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: