QUADRACEL (Note: This is a DTaP-IPV combination, different pertussis antigen)

ℹ️ Why is it prescribed?

QUADRACEL (Note: This is a DTaP-IPV combination, different pertussis antigen) contains Diphtheria Toxoid (2520LF) + Tetanus Toxoid (57.5LF) + Pertussis Toxoid (1520IU). It is primarily used for:

• Primary immunization of infants and children (typically starting at 6 weeks of age) against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
• As part of the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) of India: Three primary doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, followed by a first booster at 16-24 months (as DPT).

Side Effects

• Pain, redness, swelling, or induration at the injection site (very common, up to 50%).
• Mild fever (<39°C / 102.2°F).
• Fussiness, irritability, drowsiness.
• Loss of appetite.

Contraindications

• History of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of DPT vaccine or any component (e.g., aluminum adjuvant, thimerosal if present as preservative).
• Encephalopathy (e.g., coma, prolonged seizures) within 7 days of a prior pertussis-containing vaccine, not attributable to another identifiable cause.