Vaccine Mix-ups: Adacel (Tdap) and Daptacel (DTaP)

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices recently reported on several mix-ups between two vaccines. The first is DAPTACEL, which is diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed (DTaP). The second is ADACEL, which is tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed (Tdap). Daptacel is used in infants and children 6 weeks to 6 years old for active immunization. Adacel is used for active booster immunization in persons 11 to 64 years old and it is also the first vaccine approved as a pertussis booster for adults.

The component antigens in Adacel and Daptacel are the same, so ISMP says this contributes to making them easy to confuse. In one clinic, 13 adults were mistakenly vaccinated with Daptacel. At another clinic, seven adults received Daptacel instead of Adacel. Fortunately, none of the patients appeared to have experienced any unusual vaccine reactions, despite the fact that the pediatric formulation contains greater amounts of both the detoxified pertussis toxin and the diphtheria toxoid.

ISMP says that the similarities of the brand names, generic designations, and vaccine abbreviations also probably contribute to the confusion. In addition, these two vaccines have similar packaging - both are Aventis Pasteur products and they come in stylized, colorful cartons of the same size.

ISMP makes several recommendations to help prevent mix-ups between these two products.

• Verify the patient's age before dispensing or administering any vaccines.

• Separate stock of the pediatric and adult formulations and place alerts (e.g., "Adult" or "Pediatric") on the products.

• Where feasible, place alerts in computer software to warn practitioners about the differences between the adult and pediatric formulations.

• If possible, configure the order entry system to disallow selection of the wrong product based on the patient's age.

• Check your computer system to see how the vaccine names are displayed. ISMP says that some commonly used drug references, drug information vendor databases, and drug wholesalers refer to the component antigens of Adacel as "diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis" rather than the way it is listed on the package label, with tetanus toxoid first. If that's the case, it could increase the chance for confusion. Pharmacists may also have difficulty finding the correct product when entering orders and selecting medications. And pharmacy generated labels may list the components differently from the way they're listed by the manufacturer.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Adacel
• Tdap
• Daptacel
• DTap
• Vaccine
• Mix-Up
• FDA
• Patient
• Safety

[gg010170]

@WENDYSUEARANDA What is the other option? My daughter is going to Kindergarden this year. What is in the Tetnaus shot? Why not take it? peace & light

[gg010170]

Countries with the least infant mortality rate are vaccinated after age 2. This gives a child a healthy amount of time to form their own immune system. United states is 37 in the world with infant mortality rate. If you can have your baby at home. (Just a suggestions) If you do not want a C section. peace

[WENDYSUEARANDA]

@1111rhn Me too. My shot was june 2011! Do Not Take Tetanus Shot!

[WENDYSUEARANDA]

@hallstromfineart I tried to refuse this vaccine and was told I could not refuse! Threatened to lock me down should I not take it. My arm still hurts down in muscle to the bone. What the fuck is in this shit?

[hallstromfineart]

@1111rhn you should spread the word to refuse to take these vaccines and stand up for each time someone tries to force you to take it, but i warn you though, refusing it might get you in to a lot of trouble.

[hallstromfineart]

The insanely scandalous in all of this is that kids arent allowed to school if they dont take the shots, these shots makes you sick and if it doesnt - so what? why even take a risk of getting sick when your feeling fine, this is government forced physical abuse of children

[1111rhn]

Good video, but I hate how it doesn't say what to do IF YOU DO have a bad reaction.

it's almost August and my arm still hurts from the stupid tetnus combo shot I got in may- anyone know how I can get rid of the pain- Like is there an antidote- seems like according to this vid- I was over- vaccinated. I can't sleep on it and it feels like the pain is spreading into my bone now.

[sparkybigptalkshow]

@1111rhn Damn! i hope i dont have that when i get my tdap!

[1111rhn]

WHOA- I had a very bad reaction to a tetnus shot I got may 3rd 2011- my arm STILL hurts- it was swollen, red and itched like i wanted to scratch all the way to the freakin bone! this lasted a month- now I can't even lift my arm above my head! There is a constant dull ache- like someone just punched me really hard in the arm. I get sharp pain if I try to lift with the arm, and it is weak in the muscle too! What should i do- Dr. just said I shouldn't get the shot again- I think somethings wrong-

[mbfla]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

in Atlanta, Georiga, USA, publishes info on vaccines -- protocols, suppplies, costs, etc.

Check them out on a regular basis. Also, read the weekly-published MMWR - Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report - publication link is on CDC site. // take home msg: get vaccinated and keep up to date - unless there

is an absolute contraindication. Wellness demands vaccinations, avoidance of smoking,

limitation of ETOH intake, and good communication..