Boostrix and Factor XIII

• Generic Name: diphtheria toxoid / pertussis, acellular / tetanus toxoid
• Dosage Forms: injection, suspension
• Other Brand Names: Adacel, Boostrix

Boostrix (diphtheria, tetanus acellular, and pertussis adult vaccine - also called Tdap) is used to help prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in people who are at least 10 years old. Most people in this age group require only one Tdap shot for protection against these diseases.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airways. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes coughing so severe that it interferes with eating, drinking, or breathing. These spells can last for weeks and can lead to pneumonia, seizures (convulsions), brain damage, and death.

Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

Boostrix is especially important for healthcare workers or people who have close contact with a baby younger than 12 months old.

Boostrix works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, Boostrix may not provide protection from disease in every person.

• Generic Name: factor XIII
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Corifact, Tretten

Factor XIII (thirteen) is a naturally occurring protein in the blood that helps blood to clot. A lack of clotting factors can cause uncontrolled bleeding, as the blood is unable to clot properly. factor XIII works by temporarily raising levels of these factor XIII in the blood to aid in clotting.

Factor XIII is used to prevent bleeding episodes in people with a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of Factor XIII.

Factor XIII will not treat a bleeding episode that has already begun.

Factor XIII may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.