Travelers' Diarrhea and Cholera Vaccine

(TRAV uh lerz dahy uh REE uh & KOL er uh vak SEEN)

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Do not give this drug to a child younger than 2 years of age.
• Not if your child has an allergy to travelers' diarrhea and cholera vaccine or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If your child has an allergy to latex, talk with your child's doctor. Some products are found in latex.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop travelers' diarrhea and cholera.

How does this drug work?

• Travelers' diarrhea and cholera vaccine helps the body fight infection and protects the body from travelers' diarrhea and cholera.

How is this drug given?

• Give on an empty stomach. Give 1 hour before or 1 hour after meals.
• Melt 1 packet in 5 ounces of water.
• Do not mix with juice, milk, or other drinks.
• Pour away half of the liquid before adding the vaccine.Children ages 2 to 6 years only:
• Shake vaccine liquid and add to the mixture. Mix well before having child drink.
• Give the last dose at least 1 week before your child travels to the high risk place.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take 1 week to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• This drug does not give 100% protection. You must still follow steps to protect the body from travelers' diarrhea and cholera. Talk with the doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• All bad side effects to this vaccine must be reported to the Senior Product Safety Officer, Aventis Pasteur Limited. Ask your doctor to file the report. You may also call to file a report at 1-888-621-1146.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Unsafe allergic effects may rarely happen.

What do I need to watch for when my child is using this drug?

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has very bad belly pain.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• After mixing, you may store at room temperature for 2 hours.
• Drink within 2 hours of mixing.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.