Kinrix
Generic name:
Pharmacist-reviewed drug information from the RxWiki encyclopedia.
Overview
Kinrix is a vaccine used for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough), and polio (poliomyelitis).
Kinrix is given as a shot into the upper arm.
Common side effects of Kinrix include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
What is it used for?
Kinrix is a vaccine used for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough), and polio (poliomyelitis) as the fifth dose in the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine series and the fourth dose in the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) series in children 4 through 6 years of age whose previous DTaP vaccine doses have been with Infanrix and/or Pediarix for the first three doses and Infanrix for the fourth dose.
How to take it
Kinrix is given by a healthcare provider as a single 0.5-mL dose injected into the upper arm.
Kinrix is used for the fifth dose in the DTaP immunization series and the fourth dose in the IPV immunization series in children 4 through 6 years of age (prior to the seventh birthday) whose previous DTaP vaccine doses have been with Infanrix and/or Pediarix for the first three doses and Infanrix for the fourth dose
Warnings
- Allergic reactions. Tell your healthcare provider about any signs or symptoms of allergic reactions, which include the following:
- chest pain
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- rash
- Adverse reactions with prior pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination. If any of the following events occur within the specified period after receiving a pertussis vaccine, the decision to get Kinrix vaccine should be based on careful consideration of potential benefits and possible risks.
- Temperature of ≥40.5°C (105°F) within 48 hours, not attributable to another identifiable cause.
- Collapse or shock-like state (hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (HHE)) within 48 hours.
- Persistent, inconsolable crying lasting ≥3 hours within 48 hours.
- Seizures with or without fever within 3 days.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome. There is a causal relationship between tetanus toxoid and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves.
- Previous history of seizures. For infants or children with a history of previous seizures, an appropriate fever reducer may be given at the time of vaccination and for the following 24 hours, to reduce the possibility of post-vaccination fever.
- Fainting. Fainting can occur in association with administration of Kinrix.
Do not get Kinrix if your child:
- had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of any diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, pertussis- or poliovirus-containing vaccine, or to any component of Kinrix, including neomycin and polymyxin B
- had encephalopathy (e.g., coma, decreased level of consciousness, prolonged seizures) within 7 days of administration of a previous dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine that is not attributable to another identifiable cause
- has a progressive neurologic disorder, including infantile spasms, uncontrolled epilepsy, or progressive encephalopathy
Side effects
Side effects reported with Kinrix include:
- pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- increase in arm circumference
- drowsiness
- fever
- loss of appetite
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or unusual symptoms after you receive Kinrix. For a complete list of side effects, ask your health care provider.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you use:
- immunosuppressive therapies, including irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs and corticosteroids
This is not a complete list of Kinrix drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.
Kinrix falls into category C. No studies have been conducted in animals, and no well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women. Kinrix should only be given to a pregnant woman if clearly needed.
Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor is you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
It is not known if Kinrix crosses into human milk. Because some vaccines can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this vaccine, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this vaccine. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Kinrix.
All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health.