Pentaxim Special Precautions

If child has blood disorders such as a decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia) or clotting disorders because of the risk of bleeding which may occur during intramuscular administration.
If child already presented with febrile convulsions, not related to a previous vaccine injection; in this case it is particularly important that temperature be monitored in the 48 hours following vaccination and that antipyretic treatment be regularly administered to help reduce fever, for 48 hours.
If child experienced any of the following events after a previous administration of a vaccine (then the decision to give further doses of this pertussis-containing vaccine will be carefully evaluated): Fever of 40°C or above within 48 hours of vaccination, not due to another identifiable cause.
Collapse or shock-like state with hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (drop in energy) within 48 hours of vaccination.
Persistent, inconsolable crying lasting 3 hours or more, occurring within 48 hours of vaccination.
Convulsions with or without fever, occurring within 3 days of vaccination.
If child has or had medical issues or allergies, especially an allergic reaction following an injection of PENTAXIM.
If child presented Guillain-Barre syndrome (abnormal sensitivity, paralysis) or brachial neuritis (paralysis, diffuse pain in the arm and shoulder) following receipt of a prior vaccine containing tetanus toxoid should be evaluated by the doctor.
If child presented swelling (oedematous reactions) in lower limbs following injection of a Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine should then be administered into two separate injection sites and on different days.
If child has poor immune defenses, or if he/she is treated with corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy or other drugs that may weaken his/her immune system: The immune response may be diminished. It is then recommended to wait until the end of the treatment or disease before vaccinating. However vaccination is recommended in subjects with chronic immunodeficiency such as HIV infection, even if the immune response may be limited.
PENTAXIM does not protect against invasive diseases caused by serotypes other than Haemophilus infuenzae type b, or against meningitis of other origins.
Interference with laboratory tests: Since the Hib capsular polysaccharide antigen is excreted in the urine, a positive urine test can be observed within 1 to 2 weeks following vaccination. Other tests should be performed in order to confirm Hib infection during this period.